“We live in a moment of history where change is so speeded up that we begin to see the present only when it is already disappearing. – R.D. Laing
We are living in an age marked by accelerated human evolution. New patterns are replacing old ones very rapidly. We have to learn and relearn even as technological, social, economic and cultural advances confront us with the threat of information overload.
As change threatens to overwhelm us, stress is fast emerging as the “health epidemic of the 21st century”. According to report by World Health Organization in 2012, stress is is estimated to cost American businesses up to $300 billion a year.
While we cannot ignore or fight change, the best strategy is to remain alert and anticipate change, so that we can leverage it to learn and thrive in a the coming evolutionary bounce.
Lets look at a few strategies to successfully leverage change
- Embrace change. View it as an opportunity for growth.
- Use major crises to create breakthroughs.
- Use your repositories of problem-solving and coping strategies when faced with changes in your life.
- Look for opportunities to create breakthroughs during major changes and crises.
- Engage in lifelong learning to stay abreast of change.
- Keep your principles intact despite change.
- Use change to break bad patterns and grow from the experiences of change.
- Realize the rewards that come with change.
- When change is tough, let your sense of humor keep you going. Laughter can ease the hurt, making it easier to work on your shortcomings.
- When hardship and sorrow come, connect with your spirit and dig for your faith.