You've Got This: Tips for Tackling Change and Transitions

At some point, we’ve all found ourselves in situations similar to Barbie’s. Where life throws you a curveball and you’re faced with changes you didn’t sign up for. While it’s understandable to avoid or resist the change as much as possible, as they can feel terrifying, it’s important to recognise that these moments can be some of the most pivotal in your life and will bring tremendous growth. This rings as true in your personal life as in your professional life.

The next time you’re facing a similar situation, in personal or professional life try this approach, which I kindly borrowed from my favourite book about Change “Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard” by Chip and Dan Heath, in the book they break down change into 3 main components: the Rider (Rational), the Elephant (Emotional) and the Path (Environment).

To guide yourself through Change you can look at each individual component and decide what you can do to make it easier on yourself.

The ‘Rider’ represents the rational part of our mind. It’s the logical thinker that loves plans, goals, and clarity. However, it can easily become paralysed by over analysis or ambiguity. To aid the Rider in steering change:

Find the Bright Spots: Rather than getting overwhelmed by the scale of change, focus on what’s already working – the positive instances that stand out amidst the challenge. By replicating these ‘bright spots’, you can create a positive momentum.

Script the Critical Moves: Break down the change into manageable steps. Instead of vague objectives, provide clear directives. For instance, if you’re transitioning to a new job role, list down the skills you need to acquire, and create a timeline for mastering each.

Point to the Destination: Visualise the end goal. Having a clear vision of where you want to go provides the Rider with the necessary motivation and direction.

Our emotional self, symbolised by the ‘Elephant’, can either be our greatest ally or most significant obstacle. It’s driven by feelings, and it seeks comfort and familiarity. To guide the Elephant:

Find the Feeling: Change is more about feelings than facts. Connect emotionally to the change. If you’re concerned about relocating for a job, focus on the excitement of exploring a new city or the opportunities the move will provide.

Shrink the Change: Breaking down the change into smaller chunks makes it less daunting. Celebrate small victories along the way to build confidence and momentum.

Lastly, consider the environment or the ‘Path’ you’re on. Often, by modifying the surroundings or adjusting certain elements of it, change can become significantly more manageable.

Tweak the Environment: Make alterations that support the change. If you’re trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle, stock up on healthy snacks and remove temptations from your pantry.

Build Habits: Introduce routines that reinforce the change. Setting specific days for exercise or allocating timeslots for learning new skill can make the transition smoother.

Facing unexpected changes, much like Barbie’s situation, can be daunting. But with the right strategies, you can navigate these situations with greater ease and confidence. Remember, every change, no matter how challenging, comes with it an opportunity for growth and renewal. So, the next time you find yourself facing big changes, embrace it with a rational mind, an open heart, and a conducive environment. You’ve got this!

We made change our business, so if you need a little more help when embarking on a change initiative within your organisation, feel free to reach out to us for help at [email protected] 😃