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I believe change is one of the scariest things in life. The problem is you can’t stop change. The question then becomes will you embrace it or run?
You Can’t Stop Change
Whether it’s career, environment or just about anything in your life, the only thing you have control over when it comes to change is how you choose to react. The changes are going to happen that are beyond your control. For example:
- The company you work for goes out of business.
- Your parents will pass away.
- You could lose a child.
- You might even win a lottery!
Some changes you have control over but outcomes are not what you planned or expected:
- You may marry.
- You might start a family.
- You could start a successful business.
Some of the above may or may not have happened to you. Regardless, I’m willing to bet there have been changes in your life that you could add to these lists.
Embrace Change or Run?!
We either choose to embrace change or try to run from it. Fight or flight is a natural human reaction to stressful situations. The decision is yours to make.
Running from change is to give over control to others. When you choose to embrace change, you are actually gaining power over your personal situation and more likely to be able to affect the outcome.
I can’t really give an example of running without making it up but I have had to face change a few times in my life that were painful. For example, when I worked for Dominion Stores in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, they started closing stores and I went through the Best for Less stores, before ending up being laid off and going to work for A&P, which then did the same. A&P to Superfresh before being laid off again. From A&P, I landed a management position with PETsMART.
Although PETsMART was fun, it wasn’t great for family life and didn’t pay that well. I left there and went to a company called Data Complex Computer Centre where I learned to design and sell computer network solutions to small and medium businesses. From there to Investors Group as a financial consultant and then a major life change, we lost our son to cancer, forced me to look for a non-commission job. In the end, I landed in a great place giving me peace of mind and working with great people.
Embracing each change made my life far less stressful once I took that step and took control. In the early stages of each change, particularly the last one, I was trying to run. The hole got deeper and deeper and life just got darker. Until I turned around, took control and took steps to move forward.
You may well have similar experience or will have. Did/will you choose to be The Carrot, The Egg or The Coffee Bean?
Make it a great day!
Barry
P.S. What am I thankful for today? I’m thankful for BBQ, beef and farmers. What are you thankful for today?
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