Ziplining through Change (9/30/22)
A friend just sent me a photo from our ziplining trip in Alaska a few years ago. Dealing with change can be like ziplining if you’ve had days that leave you thinking, “This is not what I signed up for!” I learned a few things about ziplining that have helped me handle change. Make a list of the changes you’re experiencing and see how these strategies can help.
1. Be prepared. I didn’t know what to expect so I was scared. Most people spend their time worrying about coming changes instead of trying to figure out how to handle them. How are you preparing for the changes you’re facing?
2. Ask questions. Our leader wouldn’t have known I needed help if I’d faked confidence instead of speaking up. Since communication often shuts down when people are stressed, it’s important to speak up when necessary.
3. Know where you’re going. My main plan that day was to land safely on the next platform. There was only one direction to go – forward. When dealing with change, do you know where you’re going? Do you have a plan? Are you moving forward? If not, what steps can you take to “adjust your course”?
4. Become a quick study. I had to learn fast. Are you hoping change won’t find you if you plod along at your own pace? Do you need to “learn faster” to get more comfortable and confident?
5. Watch your attitude. Flying high, suspended by a thin wire, I felt like I was literally “hanging on by a thread.” Change can be like that. It helps to keep a positive attitude and make sure you’re in healthy, supportive relationships to maintain your balance.
6. Ask for help. The six of us had to support each other through a new process. What new processes are YOU experiencing? Are you isolating yourself because you’re too proud to ask for help and support?
7. Give yourself credit. Once we were safely on the ground (Oh, happy day!) our leader reminded us that we should be proud of what we had accomplished. Are you proud of the way you’re handling change? If not, what needs to change? You can change your approach, your outlook and your attitude. Do you deal with change … or does change have to deal with you?
