Embrace Change

This next article is part of an ongoing series here at TSB Magazine called The Success Principles. The series is based on the 64 principles laid out by Jack Canfield in his course of the same name. If you're new, I always suggest starting any series from the beginning.

Principle 31:? Embrace Change

Seven years ago I experienced a drastic change in life.

I was one month away from moving in with my long time girlfriend Beth.? I had started looking at engagement rings.? I had an entire future all mapped out.

Then it ended. Suddenly and without warning.? She left me.

After a couple months blurred by heavy consumption of alcohol I had to make a decision.? I could wallow in self pity, hanging on to every last ounce of hope that she would come back, or I could embrace my newfound single life.

The rest is history…

On some scale or another we are faced with changes like this all the time. Sometimes it is as simple as our favorite TV show gets canceled or our favorite restaurant closes.? Sometimes the change involves moving away to college or getting fired from your job.And some changes are more intense like ending a relationship or losing a loved one.? But with every change, there always comes the same two choices:? Hold on to the past or embrace the change.

I think the most important idea to keep in your mind when faced with change is the realization that you’ve gotten through changes in the past.? If you can always remember that you’ve been through changes in the past- and that they’ve largely worked out for the best-you can begin to approach each new change with the excitement and anticipation you should.

To embrace change, Canfield recommends asking yourself the following questions:

What’s changing in my life that I’m currently resisting”

Why am I resisting the change?

What am I afraid of with respect to this change?

What am I afraid might happen to me?

What’s the payoff for my keeping things the way they are?

What benefits might there be in this change?

What’s the next step I could take to cooperate with this change?

When will I take it?