Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Enthusiasm in the Midst of Change

October 2007 Month of Enthusiasm!
Enthusiasm in the Midst of Change


Fall is with us in the northern hemisphere; spring in the southern. Every few months we are blessed with an outer expression of change. These changes often relate to our life experiences.

Now I sense some of you are considering moving on to something else about now because of how you feel about the mere thought of change. Stay with me for a few minutes longer so you may gain clarity on how to effectively be with change.

One aspect of my work with enthusiasm focuses on how to move through the barriers that may keep us from easily tapping into our well. For some people when change shows up they feel stressed and even resentful. There are a few among us who welcome change, most of the time.

Let’s take a look at how we can remain focused on moving forward with our lives and work. Following is an excerpt from my second book, Igniting the Spark of Enthusiasm! Discovering what to do when your get up and go got up and went.


Stress related to Change


Stress related to change is interesting. Life involves cycles and rhythms—in all areas and aspects of life. Change is a fact of life. Some personalities and behavioral styles often seek out change. While others resist it. In exploring what it is about change that can zap enthusiasm, the most obvious relates to the unknown—not knowing what to expect or what will be expected of the people involved. Then there is the unknown related to how things are going to be before (presuming advance notice is received), during and after the change takes place.

Another zapper can be the pace of change. Often things can happen faster than we can plan for them or easily adapt. What to do…

Take a few minutes to reflect on how you usually feel about and react to change. Change and life, in general, are such big areas to cover so consider breaking things down. You could include personal, family, school, work, sports, and finances. Or you could focus on childhood, adolescence, adulthood, etc. Look at your life and do what makes sense for you. Be honest about your feelings and reactions.

Explore how you feel about change a little deeper by looking for common threads among the various experiences and events. Other questions to consider include: What was it about these experiences/ events that caused me to feel and react the way I did? What went well before, during and after the change(s)? What surprised me? Considering change is a given in life, what would be my ideal, positive experience? How can I create my ideal, positive experience with current or future changes?

Remember that change can represent challenge and opportunity. These challenges and opportunities can help you grow, making you stronger and more resilient.

Think of things you enjoy doing that are relaxing. It might be spending time in nature, visiting a museum, gardening, listening to music, cooking, sailing, painting, reading, etc. Doing these things on a regular basis (perhaps weekly) helps to build your reserves. Whatever it is you enjoy doing, make it a point to put is on your calendar in order to set time aside for yourself, even if it is 15 minutes.

Create a file or “toolbox” that includes reminders, tools, resources, quotes, suggestions and affirmations that support you when the stuff of life bring forth changes for you and those around you. Refer to this on a regular basis to keep it in the forefront of your mind.

You will find that acceptance of change becomes easier when you are prepared to whatever may come.

Enthusiastically!

Antoinette



© 2007 Antoinette S. Webster. All rights reserved. www.ASystemthatWorks.com.To find out more about Igniting the Spark of Enthusiasm!SM, contact Antoinette today to at Info (at) ASystemthatWorks.com.

Antoinette is also available for speaking engagements, keynotes and spouse programs along with training programs, retreats and workshops. And she works with a limited number of individuals and groups for ongoing coaching. Contact her at 513.887.0600 or
Info (at) ASystemthatWorks.com to schedule a program for your organization—in person or by teleseminar—or an appointment for a private session.






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