030 - A Mindset for Change

A Mindset for Change: Embracing New Beginnings in Work and Life

Recently, I took on a new role within the organisation.? It was a real change from what I have been doing for the last 28 years, as a country CFO.?

The start was rough for me, and trying to adapt and be “on the other side of the table”.? I was so set in my old ways and then after reflection during the handover period, over several months, I knew I had to change.

"Reflection is the lens through which we view our past adaptations to change, focusing on the lessons learned to guide future endeavours." — Ethan Brooks, Mindfulness and Growth Mentor

Adapting to change is a crucial skill in both personal and professional realms, especially in today's rapidly evolving world.?

Having an open mindset towards new experiences, challenges, and opportunities can significantly impact our growth and success.?

"Embracing change is akin to opening a book; each page a new perspective, each chapter a new beginning." — Dr. Aiden Clarke, Thought Leader in Change Management

Embracing Change with an Open Mindset

In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to adapt and grow is more valuable than ever. Whether it's starting a new job, moving to a different city, learning a new skill, or dealing with unexpected life events, the way we approach these changes can dramatically affect our outcomes. An open mindset not only helps us navigate these waters with resilience but also allows us to seize opportunities that come with change.

The Importance of an Open Mindset

An open mindset encourages curiosity, learning, and growth. It enables us to see beyond our preconceptions and biases, making room for new ideas, perspectives, and solutions. This mindset is crucial not just in the workplace, where innovation and adaptability are key to success, but also in our personal lives, where it can lead to richer experiences and deeper understanding.

The importance of embracing change with an open mindset and outlines five key strategies to facilitate this mindset shift, which I have embraced:

Five Strategies to Cultivate an Open Mindset

1. Cultivate Curiosity: Curiosity is the foundation of an open mindset. Encourage yourself to ask questions, seek out new experiences, and delve deeper into topics outside of your comfort zone. To be open, I had to prepare questions in my head.

"The seeds of growth are planted in the soil of curiosity. Water them with an open mind, and watch your world expand." — Prof. Elena Martínez, Lifelong Learning Advocate

2. Embrace Lifelong Learning: View education as a continuous journey rather than a destination. Attend workshops, enroll in courses (tons of on-line free courses), or simply learn from the people around you. Embracing the role of a lifelong learner keeps your mind engaged and open to new concepts and skills.

"Diversity in thought is the palette from which innovation paints its masterpieces. Seek varied hues to brighten your canvas of possibilities." — Jackson Li, Cultural Strategist

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives: Surrounding yourself with people who think differently than you can profoundly impact your ability to adopt an open mindset. What I found useful personally was to engage in conversations with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries. This exposure challenge my existing viewpoints and sparked some innovative ideas to import.

"Life's most profound lessons are often hidden in the folds of change. Unravel them with patience and an open heart." — Marcus Reynolds, Philosopher of Modern Adaptability

4. Practice Flexibility: Flexibility is key to adapting to change. Work on becoming more comfortable with uncertainty and learning to pivot when necessary. This might mean reevaluating your goals, trying different approaches to solve a problem, or simply being more open to altering your plans based on new information. As an example, a simple thing I realised, that I had to be flexible in my working hours and personal time, a bit of a mesh up but it has worked out to be really good.

5. Reflect and Reassess: Regular self-reflection is crucial for maintaining an open mindset. Take time to assess how you've handled past changes, what you've learned, and how you can improve. Reflection helps you become more self-aware and open to growth and change, and I did lots of that in the months leading up to January 1st.

"To navigate the winds of change, one must be as adaptable as the sail, adjusting to the breeze of new challenges and opportunities." — Olivia Chen, Flexibility Coach

Adopting an open mindset towards change is not always easy, but it is incredibly rewarding.?

By cultivating curiosity, embracing lifelong learning, seeking diverse perspectives, practicing flexibility, and regularly reflecting, we can better navigate the complexities of life and work.?

An open mindset not only prepares us for the inevitable shifts in our external environment but also enriches our internal world, leading to personal growth and fulfillment. As we continue to face new challenges and opportunities, let us remember that our mindset can be our most powerful tool in embracing change positively.

I feel much happier and I am beginning to actually enjoy most parts of the job.

END

Alrick has been in the advertising industry for the last 28 years.?A CPA by trade, he is currently the TBWA Asia, CFO.?Alrick has been part of the transformation team and operationalising those outcomes with the companies that he has worked for. His interest lies in incorporating technology into businesses, B2B pricing, and?coaching?and mentoring start-ups and troubled businesses.