Becoming a change agent

Change is inevitable and constant; therefore, becoming a change agent is a goal we should each aspire to achieve.  Unfortunately, it is human nature to resist or even resent change.  Think about it—do you travel to work the same route or sit in the same seat on the train (or close by) each day.  When you visit the grocery store, do you basically purchase the same items each week?  What about dining at the same eatery and ordering the same entrée?

Stepping out of your comfort zone and becoming more flexible by trying a new route, purchasing an unfamiliar item at the market, or even ordering a new entrée at your favorite restaurant are first steps to assist you in embracing change.  Embracing change in your personal life can make dealing with change at work that much easier.

Also, treating each change as an adventure keeps your mood and attitude in a positive frame of mind.  Reacting negatively to a change causes you to expend double the energy ultimately leaving your depleted and exhausted—not exactly a place of success.

Remember, during times of change our stress level rises contributing to our vulnerability to illness.  In stress management we tap into either the flight or flee response.  However, there is a third option to consider when dealing with change.  The third option is flow—indicating that if you can’t fight or flee—flow.  Flow through the change with the adage that “this to shall pass.”  How do you handle change?

Carol Kivler, CSP

Kivler Communications