Preparing for Change

by Angela Ware

All around us there are signs of individuals and industries adjusting to change. The housing market, auto and finance industries are all relevant and national examples. Our current president-elect campaigned under the axiom of change. We are being reminded that change is the normal flow of life. As proof, I offer the seasonal fact that at this moment autumn is giving way to winter.

Many of us have heard the adages “change is inevitable” and “change is good.” If these statements are true, why is it that so many of us find it difficult to change? Why after change has occurred do we often hear people say, “I didn’t see that coming?”

Well, it’s not that we didn’t see it coming; rather we were reluctant or unwilling to move from a place of knowing to a place of learning and/ or trying something new.

Like many in our current economy, I was laid-off once. Can you say, “Change?” Now, in as much as this situation forced me to change, it also revealed a long thought truth: Preparation is the number one resource needed during times of change.

If your situation of change is coping with the peeks and valleys of industry, being placed on a new project at work, a new position within your company or the newly elected leader of the free world, you can only speculate as to what the actual change will entail. You must allow yourself the freedom to prepare for the possibility of what’s to come. Therefore, I would like to offer the following four tips that have served me well in times of change.

· Prepare daily - read blogs, articles online or in magazines and/ or the newspaper on a daily basis in an effort to remain current with your industry or an industry that you are interested in transitioning to.

· Invite discussion – join a professional society or networking group in an effort to build relationships and enhance your understanding and communication skills regarding your profession.

· Continuously seek opportunities for training and certification – the more you are skilled at doing increases the amount of what you are capable of doing!

· Remain organized – keep your current and long-term goals in front of you and keep your information organized for effective access. When change falls your way being organized will allow you to keep your mind clear and focused.

Now, go out and embrace change!