How do you accept things that are out of control? How do you deal with the frustration of constant change while wanting everything to just get back to normal? “Embracing change” is easier said than done!
Let me show you how to shift from resisting change to accepting change, maybe even embracing change, ensuring your success in the future.
I’m Mark DeVolder, The Change Management Specialist. I help teams and leaders adapt to and thrive in the midst of exponential change.
Many people long for a life that is calm, predictable, simple and understandable. Unfortunately, that’s not the kind of world we live in; it never has been. And the stark reality of Covid-19 is that this temporary disruption is not something you can control. It will continue whether you and I embrace it or not.
One aspect that makes this transition period so difficult for people is the isolation. Why do we have to be separated from everyone else? Well, the answer may surprise you. If you want to be ready for the future:
- First, you have to undergo a personal change and
- Second, transformation always occurs in isolation.
Victor Turner was one of the first to study transitions. As an anthropologist, he visited tribal societies and studied their initiation rites, for instance how a boy becomes a man.
Turner noticed that each society followed similar practices. The boy would be separated from everyone and put in isolation, for a week, a month or longer. The boy endured loneliness, hardships and physical pain. But after the ordeal, he emerged as a different being: A man.
Isolation is not just a random, meaningless experience; it’s essential. Isolation is where the work of transformation occurs! Don’t waste this season. Embrace the opportunity for change. You may never have a chance like this again.
To help you make the most of your time now and prepare for life after this crisis, or any crisis, here are three questions to ponder during isolation:
- What are you resisting?
- What new skills are you learning that will be essential in a post-Covid World?
- When you re-emerge, how will you be different?
Your response and the actions you take from answering these questions is completely in your control.
So, there you have it. Tools and motivation to help you accept and embrace change and ensure your success in the future.
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Want to help your team embrace change? Mark DeVolder is a change management keynote speaker, trainer and consultant.
