In my line of work I am in charge of enforcing company’s policies and be the first line of communication between employees and final decision makers. As I prepare to announce the many changes that will take effect on the company’s benefit plans next year, I can’t help but think about how individuals would react to yet another change. When thinking about it, I see that change is around the corner; on a daily basis we can experience a change in traffic pattern, a change in weather, in our moods etc. Those are somewhat predictable changes that we are used to experiencing. However, when a dramatic change occurs – are we prepare for the unpredictable? Do we fear it? Do we accept it without questioning it? Do we quickly move onto the next step? Or do we dwell on it?
There are different types of reactions that can take place when change is nearby. There are those that oppose the change, those that support and embrace the change and there are those that can be easily influenced. In general, these are reactions that we, as individuals, may experience often. At some point in time we have identified ourselves with characteristics of each of these groups. This occurs in part due to the fact that change ranges from minimal to large scale and in some cases due to the perceived influence we may have on the final outcome of the change. But, which is less detrimental?
- If oppose – is it really going to go away? How much effort will it take on your part? Will you be happier holding onto old ways and burning all your energy while doing this?
- If embraced – wouldn’t this mean that your time is more valuable? Wouldn’t this mean that you are open to learning and experiencing new things?
- If easily influenced – does this mean that anyone can tell you how to live your life? Can anyone dictate how you feel and think? In every situation? What if you were to make a decision on your own? Will you fear the consequences? What if you knew the facts and were knowledgeable – would you still allow someone else to dictate your thoughts?
The understanding and acknowledgement of the different types of reactions, how change may affect us and our preparedness level is what can set individuals apart. Knowing the pros and cons of the types of reactions we can have in the presence of change will provide us with the advantage of choosing how to proceed. At all times, assuming and preparing to experience minor or major adjustments in every situation you find yourself in, and at any time no matter how secure we may perceive to be, will gives an advantage over those who are caught off guard and freeze up in the presence of change. -“better safe than sorry”- Life is to be lived and not feared. Life is full of unpredictable circumstances – that is what contributes to our individual growth and development.
Think about how your life would be if you could predict every step you take, every-body movement. Wouldn’t it attract stagnation? Think about a time in your life when you were executing the same task day in and day out and everything in your environment was at a standstill? What about those days at work when you assigned to an endless task with no way out? – did you not feel a bit empty? Frustrated?
Once you start looking at change as the one thing that can turn your world upside down but that one thing that if expected can bring excitement and new knowledge to your life, you will be able to enjoy your life a lot more. It is all about how you receive the change, and whether you attach pain to it or enthusiasm? By resisting it, you are just digging yourself into a deep hole full of exasperating thoughts and preventing yourself from growing.
I believe the resistance level is different depending on the severity of the situation. As you begin changing your thoughts and embark on a path where change is expected and almost planned ahead – you will begin recognizing and almost predicting the qualities and characteristics of those individuals who are more inclined to oppose new ideas and policies. You will learn to avoid them. We must prepare ourselves to counteract and deal with the negative connotation that comes with change as well as provide the positive highlights that may motivate others around us to pull together and embrace the change.
I know there are times when we do want to be the contester, the one opposing the change, but in deciding which way to go – you should ask yourself whether opposing a change will truly make the situation better? Will it make a difference? Will it truly make us happy? Will it fulfill our lives with joy? Or is opposing change just going to become a tedious task that’s going to make us wretched? That will, just bring us down the path of isolation.
For many of us, when we are faced with the need to adjust, our first reaction is that of questioning the need for it. Follow by a justification to keep things the way they are. But how long do we stay in this stage or state of mind? How long do we oppose alterations that are here to stay? That’s a decision that each individual has to make. Just know that there will always be a contester, believer/supporter, and a motivator. The question is – Which of those individuals do we choose to be? Which of those are you falling into right now? What has been your experience with change?