Learning through Living - Cumberland News 28/10/2016

This is the time of year for new beginnings.  New school, college, university or job. Beginnings also mean endings, which is why many of us have mixed feelings about change.

How do you feel about change?

Excitement, apprehension, hope, curiosity, fear and anticipation are some of the feelings we all experience at times of change.

Changes happen throughout our life, many, such as moving to a new school, are part of the normal cycle of life. How each person handles change and new beginnings is as individual as we are. The mix of apprehension and excitement is something we all feel. However, if we are overwhelmed by mourning what has ended, we risk missing out on new opportunities and experiences.

Where the change is out of your control, for example moving from primary school to secondary school, the skill is to manage your attitude, celebrate what you loved and achieved in the old; and approach the new with a positive, proactive mind-set. Those who see positive opportunities in new situations adjust more quickly and are more successful.

To quote Viktor Frankel "When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves." Changing ourselves is changing our attitude, how we perceive the situation and our resultant behaviours.

Have a plan for how you can be successful in this new environment. What do you want to achieve? What skills do you bring? What will you contribute? What will you learn? What will you have achieved at the end of your time there? In short, take control of your situation, be focused, proactive and goal oriented.

The same mix of feelings may occur when the change is one you have driven, for example, a new job or university. The mental and emotional skills of adjusting to a new situation are the same. Reaffirm to yourself why you made the decision to attend this university or take that job. Even if it is not as you imagined, stick to your purpose. Be focused and selfish in accomplishing your original objective. Consider what else you can achieve or contribute.

Make a plan and do it.

Joanna Woodford: Passionate about everyone fulfilling their potential.