Learned Habits for Tough Times
Sometimes the thing that is changing is beyond your control. Quite often, in fact. Nevertheless, we easily get stuck fighting reality when the past is in the past.
Therefore, it is helpful to remember that YOU control YOU. In the midst of unwelcome or challenging changes in your life, you can consistently practice these five habits to cultivate graceful transitions.
1. Shrink the change. Borrowing this idea from the Heath Brothers, I try to remember that everything doesn’t have to happen at once. Most significant transitions take time. So, shrink the change. What needs to happen today? This week? This month?
2. Live the satisfaction triangle. What’s that? The satisfaction triangle is comprised of three sides: people, process, and product. When you treat people as you want to be treated, ask questions to ensure a good process, you will generate a better product. Not always perfect, but better.
3. Do something for yourself, by yourself, at least weekly. If you are not whole and well emotionally and spiritually, you will not handle the change well. So, you have permission. Take care of yourself.
4. Connect with people who fill your cup. If you are going through a difficult change, it will be easy to find people to commiserate with. Instead, seek out the people who fill your cup and stay connected to them. The people who calm you, inspire you, and help you think clearly…these are the people we need.
5. Ask for help. I don’t always like this one, but from time to time, I need someone else’s advice, guidance, and encouragement. Someone has been down the path ahead of you or has even helped others down a similar path. Ask for their help.
With consistent practice of these five habits, I am confident that you can experience graceful transitions!
Worth Repeating
Where there is no love, put love, and you will find love.
-Dorothy Day
