Composing Your Next Chapter: Gen Xers and the Art of Embracing Change
Sarah Blankenship
Senior Job Seeker & Recruiting Strategist | DEI Advocate | Founder, Gen X Nation Community
Crank up those speakers, Gen Xers, because it’s time we riff through the impending changes that life’s stage has set before us.
Shift Happens! This isn’t just another tired tune about switching your nine-to-five for a beach chair and a pi?a colada (though that’s not off the table). This is about grabbing life by the guitar strings and strumming a melody that’s uniquely yours -- maybe for the first time ever.
So, let’s amp up and dive into the beast we call change. It’s time to shake off the dust and learn how navigate change with bit of old-school flair, and some new tricks.
You Say You Want The Money, You Want The Big Prize
Imagine you’re on the high dive, the pool below looks like a postage stamp and those old fears are crowding on the diving board behind you, whispering, “Hey, remember us?” But here’s the thing—you’ve got new dreams, grown ass ideas, and hell, you’re ready to make an impact that’ll ripple out across your whole life.
Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder or smashing it to kindling to build something new, understanding and mastering change is your golden ticket to rewriting your epic saga.
Nature of Change
Why’s change as relentless as those pop-up ads? Because the game of life never hits pause. Change is the backdrop to our lives, pushing us from the comfort zone and into the unknown, sometimes without a heads-up.
Psychological Impact
Change doesn’t just rearrange the furniture; it renovates the whole house. One day your vibe’s low, and the next, you’re wondering why you’re feeling more ups and downs than crowd surfer at a music festival.
Whether it’s a new job, a new city, or a new brand of coffee, change pokes at our emotions like an unwanted encore when you thought the show was over.
Common Reactions
And how do we typically respond to this party crasher called change? Cue the usual suspects: fear, anxiety, and resistance.
Fear is like that recurring nightmare where you’re on stage and forget the words. Anxiety is the crowd that might boo. Resistance? That’s you forgetting why you wanted to perform in the first place.
6 Ways to Use Change Management to Prompt Action
1 - Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule
Think of this as your five-second guitar solo to fame. Spot a space to jam. Then dive into it before your brain pulls you back into the audience.
2 - Jen Sincero’s Badass Way
Jen’s all about cranking up your amp to eleven. It’s not just changing; it’s owning the stage while you do it.
3 - Rob Dial’s Mindset Mentor Method
This is tuning your guitar, so every note hits perfect pitch.
4 - Self-Reflection Exercises
Grab a mirror, it’s time for a heart-to-heart with your number one fan -- you. Pin down what’s really jamming your signals about change.
5 - Setting Small, Achievable Goals
Thinking of headlining? Start with local bars. Break down your world tour into gigs that won’t break you.
6 - Seek Support
Solo acts are cool, but even the best have a band. Gather your crew because when the tour gets tough, it’s your bandmates who have your back.
Wrap Up
In the end, change is inevitable, but it's also an opportunity. It’s not just about surviving the shifts—it’s about thriving in them, embracing the unknown with confidence and curiosity.
As Gen Xers, we’ve weathered storms before, and we’re more than capable of navigating what’s next. The key is to stay flexible, stay true to yourself, and keep pushing forward. So, take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and face the future with open arms—because the next chapter is yours to write.
Contributing Gen X Nation Author: Chris Harrison
About The Author Chris is a dynamic executive coach, professional speaker, consultant, and seasoned musician. With over 20 years in leadership development and organizational change, Chris combines strategic insights with artistic expression, empowering professionals to achieve peak performance and transformative growth in both their personal and professional lives. Visit his website at: www.chrisharrison.us .
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IT Project Management IT Change Management ITSM/ITIL
1 个月I needed to read this!! I am about to career pivot soon. I’m nervous, anxious, and imposter syndrome has been kicking my butt. ????
Lean Agile Trainer || Executive Coach
1 个月**Bonus points** if you can identify the band and song this lyric comes from: "You Say You Want The Money, You Want The Big Prize" (without Googley, as my Dad calls it).
Information Systems Supervisor, Commonwealth Office of Technology, Commonwealth of Kentucky
1 个月Well written and a great message! I particularly like your closing paragraph -- "As Gen Xers, we’ve weathered storms before, and we’re more than capable of navigating what’s next. The key is to stay flexible, stay true to yourself, and keep pushing forward. So, take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and face the future with open arms—because the next chapter is yours to write." That is something I try to live by daily, no matter what this messed-up world throws at me. Thank you for the message, for this awesome group, and for really giving Gen X'ers a place to call home.
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1 个月Neha A
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1 个月Very informativeness