Mayhem, Management or Mastery

Mayhem, Management or Mastery?

Change can feel scary, hard & generally daunting, but it doesn't have to.

The truth is that change, even changes we are in control of and asking for can seem like a huge challenge or risk.  And we all know that changes we don't have a say or roll in are the absolute worst. Because we tend to resist the ones we didn't see coming the hardest.

The fact is that we don't know what lies in front of us.  So, the art and skill in navigating uncharted territory, relies on your mindset.

Here is what I have come to learn over time & with lots of practice:

• It is 100 % possible to navigate uncertainty without unleashing the control freak and gripping the wheel too tightly.
• When there is more than one possible choice, doesn't mean there is a right or wrong choice.
• Making a decision, is best done intentionally following your heart, but taking your mind with you. 
• Perspective matters - is it happening to you or for you?

The only thing constant in life is..CHANGE.

Change is inevitable.  For every person, every team, every organization, the question is only when.  And when that change is required or expected the most important question we can ask ourselves is How will I respond?

Change can often be stressful.  Especially when change happens quickly, is forced.  How you manage change determines the success of your response and the overall levels of stress experienced.  You first need to acknowledge that as a human being, you are wired to resist change.  We are wired for survival, and our brain sees change as a potential warning sign of discomfort which equals danger.  Additionally our brains are designed to create routines, systems and habits.  Change often requires us to let go of a familiar, comfortable habit while we form a new one.  And until we acclimate to the new order of things, it is going to feel yucky, awkward, even risky until we have the opportunity to apply the new pattern 40 - 60 times.  Because of our basic drive for consistency and our attachments to habits, we have a physical and emotional response to change.

Your mindset and personal views and experiences with change will greatly impact your success with self-mastery and ultimately success with any change. The difference between a fixed mindset and a growth or learners mindset  is only part of the picture.  Understanding your past lived experiences with change, your personal and professional values systems, what the change is, why the change is needed, and if there is any personal value for the change will all be filters with which you view change.

Self-mastery begins with  self-awareness and your ability to recognize & regulate our emotions.   This along with many other aspects associated with self-mastery will play a leading role as we navigate any changes. 

Therefore, your ability to master yourself and the change involves the ability  effectively regulate, and think clearly to process all the information will assuredly be a factor in your ability to make decisions and on your actions. The key to mastery in anything is practice; the more you practice, the more skilled you become.  

This means that each change is an opportunity for us to level up our proficiency and demonstrate some compassion as we evolve.  The reality here is that there can be moments of mayhem or management before we reach mastery.  

Start with small steps, seeking more ease and finding flow in turbulent times.  Remember how far you have already come, how many things you have overcome to get to where you are today.  You are never starting from scratch or starting over...begin & meet yourself where you are.  Remind yourself that often things in life happen for us - not to us.  Then take that next brave inspired action - lead from your heart, and take your mind with clarity, and intention.