As the famous folk/rock singer Bob Dylan once said, “the times they are a changin’.” And changing they are! 
In the last 25 years we have witnessed many historic and life altering changes that have taken place. The COVID-19, crumbling of the Berlin Wall, 9/11, the quantum leaps of the internet, a stock market crash, tremendous downsizing by the big three US automakers, huge companies going bankrupt, the iPhone, the country of China emerging as a huge economic leader, unpredictable presidential election outcome, signs of global warming and the list could go on and on.
People love change and they hate change. They want to see the models of the new automobiles for the next year, but they hate the fact that they have to change their area code on their telephone number (and everything else that has their telephone number on it). They love the fact that their new iPhone has the latest upgrades on it, but they dislike the chore of having to sort through their trash and put recyclables in a separate container. They like the idea of ATM machines, but fear the loss of their job due to downsizing of their company.
The right amount of change in a person’s life is similar to the sun rising on a new day; it’s full of possibilities and opportunities. It is that special something that adds to the magic of life. Like a fresh diaper, some changes are needed and wanted. Other changes can be perceived as an inconvenience, if not a threat.
Without change there is no opportunity to enjoy new and different experiences, no freshness and renewed vibrancy.
It would be boring (for most of us) to see the same old reruns of the Seinfield TV show week after week. We want the all new comedy program. Many of us would not want the same redundant meal, night after night; we need and want a variety of delectable and healthy foods. Change is predominantly good and, of course, change will always be with us.
So how do we deal with the issue of change? Are there some guidelines that will help us through the maze of confusion? The answer is a resounding and emphatic YES!
A famous success philosopher, Kop Kopmeyer, once suggested a system for dealing with change that has served me well. He called it “The Four A’s for Dealing with the Challenges of Life”. Let me share with you my interpretation of them and how they can help you deal with the challenge of change.
The four steps to successfully deal with change are:
Admit – Admit that the change has happened or is about to happen.
Accept – Accept the change, and welcome it with open arms.
Adapt – Come up with a plan to help you adapt and make the best of the situation.
Action – Take the necessary action and follow through to insure you get the desired results.
By implementing the above formula for dealing with change in our lives, we can grow and benefit from the myriad of challenges and transformations that are sure to come our way in the months and years ahead. Not only will the times be a changin’, but so will we.
Tom Borg Consulting, LLC ©2017 All Rights Reserved
Tom Borg is a team performance and customer experience expert who works with small businesses and organizations to have a high impact on customer acquisition, and retention. He helps these organizations through his consulting, speaking, training and mentoring. To ask him a question or to hire Tom, please contact him at: (734) 404-5909 or email him at: tom@tomborg.com or visit his website at: www.tomborgconsulting.com
