HOW TO COPE WITH CHANGE
Most of us are comfortable with who we are, what we believe, how we act, and what we do. When we have to change anything in our
life, we often don't like it. There are four types of change that we may face in our lives:
- change we expect and want (like a new job)
- change we expect but don't want (like having major surgery)
- change we don't expect but want (like winning the sweepstakes); and
- change we don't expect and don't want (like sudden illness or death)
Truly successful people are able to handle change in their lives. They see that change can be both good and bad. They work to make change a
positive force in their lives.
- See that change losing something. Even "good" change means you are giving something up. For example, if you are starting a new
job or moving to a new neighborhood, you're losing part of your "old way" of life. This makes you feel unhappy. But if you understand that
loss is part of life, it will be easier to see change as natural.
- Be clear about the things that you're not happy with.. Sometimes you may want to change something about your life. Maybe
you're bored or upset or frustrated. Or maybe you want to try something new. Figure out what it is you WANT to change and why. Keep
reminding yourself of these reasons and it will be easier to see change as a good thing, not a bad thing.
- Know where you are going. If you know what you want to achieve in your work or private life, it will be easier to make change
a positive experience for you. Keep the image of your goal in mind. "Keep your eyes on the prize."
- Find mentors. Learn how to handle change from someone else who has experienced it. For example, if you want to change jobs,
talk to someone who has done it. Ask about the feelings the person went through and how he or she get over the fears associated with change.
A good mentor is a trusted guide.
- Get support from family and friends. Talk to family and friends about how change will affect your life and theirs. Ask them to help
you in this time of change in your life. Ask them to help you make your vision of the future clear.
Written material may be reprinted provided no endorsement of a commercial product is
stated or implied. Please credit University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension and
the Nebraska Health and Human Services System.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Elbert C. Dickey, Interim Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.