We always hear the saying that "the only permanent thing in this world is change." In every man's lifetime, there will be myriad of changes, the ups and downs and the merry-go-rounds, that he will encounter. Indeed, like a boat in a river, whether going upstream or downstream, to reach its destination it needs to ride the waters regardless of the rapids, swirls and snags along the way. In the same manner people are all bound to adhere to life's changes, and whether we come out on two feet standing tall or down on bended knees, as long as we are still breathing, we need to continue our journey in whatever path we chose - destiny is the product of how we cope with life's changes!
And destiny waits for no one. For nothing remains still; everything moves!
Remember Your Past
"He who does not remember his past, will not reach his future," so another saying goes. Whatever legacies you have, no matter how humble they maybe, never forget them. Think about it: hundreds of times over the years, you coped with new situations, made decisions, altered your behavior, attitude or lifestyle in some small yet significant way. Everything becomes part of your legacy. Even if you are not especially pleased with the manner in which you handled yourself or by the way your destiny turns, regardless of how well or badly you coped with life's turntable, you survived. Your being here today is a proof of this. Move on but remember to take your legacy with you.
Believe In Yourself
Although you may attribute the success of each significant changes made in your life to the support or suggestions of others, this should not be the whole picture. Even though other people did assist you, giving them all the credit overlooks the importance of your own role. Clarify your strengths and weaknesses for coping with change. Examine your personal history from a different perspective than that to which you are accustomed. The focus should be on your own inner resources rather than on others' abilities on what got you through each difficult period of changes.
Define Your Priorities
Your priorities can be identified by looking at whatever you consider very important and significant in life. They maybe based upon a personal philosophy, a dream or a combination of your values, attitudes and feelings. Clarify the things that matter most. Remember that no change will please you unless it originates from and is compatible with your priorities.
Set Your Goals
Without clear goals, change can be chaotic. Based upon your priorities, your goals can be clearly defined, fairly simple and very specific, manageable tasks, which you can surely accomplish within a particular period of time. Aim high but render your objective where you can reach it.
Motivate Yourself
Motivation is the force, the one that pull you forward towards change, your reason for going ahead. Think positively. When your desire for a change is stronger than your reluctance to make it, you are in good position to proceed.
Fantasize
In moments of optimism, you cheerfully daydream about what you would like to happen. These reveries bring relief from the terrible consequences you envision when you're feeling unsure. Allow your imagination to swing to both extremes - success and failure. Such flights of fancy can be relaxing, concept-evolving - and very useful. If appropriately channeled, they will facilitate any of the changes you want.
Plan Ahead
A plan is like a map of what to do or how to proceed. It requires the ability to organize, select and make decisions about what steps to follow. Planning ahead gives you relief from the confusion and ambiguity of changes. It also pays if you reserve an alternate plan of action just in case the first one doesn't quite reach a desirable goal.
Face Your Fear
There are counterforces that can pull you away from making a change - fear and resistance to change. But they can be utilized in a positive way. It can be your motivation if you can squarely face and conquer your fear, and remove the resistance toward the projected change. In other words, you maybe down and bruised on your first attempt, stand up. Wounds will heal. Don't mark it as a symbol of fear but of experience to do better the next time.
Make Proper Timing
There is an appropriate time for making changes. To decide this, you must consider which pace you find most comfortable and how you really feel about the step you are taking. Consider the fluidity of the environment around you. Take a gamble only if you really feel the stakes are on your side.
Always Be Ready
Be the ultimate Boy Scout or Girl Scout. Flow with the tide but make sure you can move the sails or paddle your way to smooth waters. Be always aware of the consequences of your actions. Your readiness for a new venture will help you to move ahead smoothly, and with less stress.
Action It
Action implies that you are seizing opportunities and generating the kind of involvements that bring you closer to better life - instead of being passive and doing nothing. Remember another saying: "If not now, when. If not you, who?" A change can only occur through your completion of a long series of small, simple actions. So get on the groove, act on it!
