Time for a change?

You may firmly believe that ‘a change is as good as a rest’, or you may feel that the idea of ‘change’ only causes panic, fear and the absolute opposite of anything restful. So why do we fear change? Is it that we are not brave enough to step out of our comfort zone and embrace new things?

 

If you are nodding along to the above then you are not alone. Research shows that most people avoid change because they cannot predict the outcome. Often a change can have a massive effect on our routine, the people around us or our income, so we shy away from making a change because we can’t control the possible consequences, even though the need for change is essential if we want to fix the things that make us unhappy.

 

Ironically, most of us have more than enough skills to instigate a successful change but we just don’t know it, so if you are unhappy with something in life, at work, or in your relationships, then how can you be brave enough to make a change? Here’s what we suggest:

 

Write an ‘ideal world’ scenario

In an ideal world, what would your life look like? Would you be in the same job? If not, what job would you do? Would you live in the same area, have the same people in your life and have the same hobbies and routines? Paint a picture of what your perfect life would look like so that you can see what elements of your existing life you are not happy with.

 

Decide which of these are achievable 

Hopefully you have been realistic with your ‘ideal life’ scenario - and not based everything on winning the lottery and living on a yacht - so now you can have a look at which of the things that you want to change are actually achievable. Do some research, use common sense, and above all set realistic goals that you firmly believe you can reach. 

 

Minimise the impact

So you have decided to make some changes, now it’s time to think about who will be affected. If your proposed changes affect family and friends then have a chat with them and see what their thoughts are. Don’t let them put you off (remember, everyone fears change) but gauge their concerns and try to make rational decisions based on who it will affect and to what extent. If a change of job is on the cards which may involve a change in salary, do the maths and see what you can go without to help minimise the impact of a possible decrease in income.

 

Talk to those who have done it

Making a change can be a scary proposition, so talk to those who have already been through a similar thing, as you may have friends or family who have made big changes in their lives and they can share their wisdom. If you are thinking of changing your job then you may want to have a chat with a recruitment advisor to see what transferable skills you have, what jobs are available and how to go about applying. Get advice, help and guidance wherever you can find it - that way you won’t go through this alone and you can arm yourself with as much useful ‘how to’s’ as possible.

 

Have a Plan B

Think positive and YOU CAN DO THIS! If you follow the steps above and plan your changes with precision and thought then there should be no need for a back-up plan. However, it doesn’t hurt to have one, especially as knowing you have a Plan B to fall back on will ease any trepidation you may be feeling. 

 

Above all, remember: nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you want something to change then empower yourself to change it. Have confidence, seek guidance and make it happen. You’ll soon see that change is WAY BETTER than a rest :-)