Riding the Rollercoaster of Change: Creating Your Own Job Security

Bill Pasmore, author of Leading Continuous Change: Navigating Churn in the Real World, says we are living during a time of "complex, continuous change . . . overlapping, never-ending, planned and unplanned changes that are parallel and sequential.”  Sounds like today's roller coaster rides.

Modern roller coasters are very complex, just like the workplace of today: full of multiple loops and curves, with lots of twists, turning us upside down and leaving us feeling disoriented.

How can we stay on the ride today and still feel securely fastened?

I believe that in order to face the constant swirl of information, technology, and change, it is critical to create our own sense of security no matter what is happening in our environment. How do you do that already? What daily habits do you have to stay centered during complex, continuous change?

Whether you are in between gigs or employed at the moment, here are some tips:

1. Know yourself: Take time to reflect on what matters most to you, rather than reacting to the change around you. When you are centered in your core values and committed to what matters, you can adapt and thrive. If you haven't taken time for this, you may want to check out this values exercise and personal mission statement activity.
2. Trust your uniqueness: Once you have reflected on your values and mission, you can trust yourself to show up authentically and to contribute fully. Many people may have the same skill set you have, so you need to distinguish yourself from the pack by being able to show up as you, the person, not just you, the performer. Trust yourself and show up fully present no matter what is going on around you.
3. Take care of yourself: You can attract opportunity instead of having to chase it by focusing on #1 and #2 above and then by taking extremely good care of yourself. What does that mean to you? Common self-care habits include getting enough sleep, avoiding too much alcohol, building exercise into your day, creating healthy relationships, drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day and laughing a lot. What works for you? What are the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual habits that keep you focused and energized during times of change?
4. Take daily action and let go of fear: Taking daily action toward your goals is my definition of success. It isn't an end state. Daily actions can include: networking meetings, a few minutes a day reconnecting with others on Linked In, attending a business event, reading the local business news or trade journal. When you schedule these activities and you consistently take action to stay connected in your business community or industry, you can let go of fear and show up with confidence.
5. Look for the good around you: When we are facing complex, continuous change, it can be hard to look beyond the chaos and confusion, but this is a must do. Our brain is wired to keep us safe by looking for problems, so we have to intentionally look for what is working. Take time to share good news and to ask others what is going well for them and then celebrate and acknowledge wins. Looking for the good will keep you healthy and optimistic. You will see opportunity because you are expecting it.
6. Learn something new: Learning feeds the mind, body, and spirit while increasing employability. Exposing yourself to new information also keeps the brain healthy. If you are in transition, this is a good time to assess your skills and check out the many learning opportunities available right here on Linked In or at your local university.
7. Be careful what you wish for; you will get it*: Choose your words with intention. Start your day with a statement like “Today is a wonderful day, I choose to make it so.” Affirmations (positive statements beginning with “I am”) like this can replace thoughts of fear and anxiety. Whatever follows those two words (“I am”) is very powerful. If I say, “I am sick and tired,” guess what I will be? Better to say, “Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better,” or “I am moving toward a wonderful new position,” or “I release all fear, anxiety and resentment.”
8. Connect with Others: No matter how much technology is in our day to day work, it is critical to build relationships. Talk to neighbors and colleagues. Show up at a local business event. Volunteer at a school. Help a job seeker or take time to listen to someone. Connecting with others is as important as eating regularly. According to Hara Estroff Marano, we function best when social needs are met. It is easier to stay motivated and to meet the varied challenges of life when we connect with others. "In fact, evidence has been growing that when our need for social relationships is not met, we fall apart mentally and even physically. There are effects on the brain and on the body."
9. Breathe: Keep breathing. Take deeper breaths throughout the day. Its free and available and many times, we hold our breath when we are under stress. Deep breathing can reduce stress and help you stay centered. Notice how many times throughout the day you hold your breath. Then practice breathing all the way down into your abdomen.
10. Find support: Surround yourself with others who are moving forward in life and work or hire a coach to help you move toward what you really want and deserve. It is important to build a support system, especially during change so you can navigate it with less struggle and more ease.

There is no single answer to maintaining job security during complex, continuous change, so it is important to reflect on what might work for you. These are strategies that I have used personally and with my clients. I hope you take whatever fits who you are and leave the rest.

To get started right now, look back over this list of tips choose what works for you and add your own ideas. Come up with a list of daily habits that you can start today, so no matter which way the roller coaster turns, you will feel centered and secure.

Let me know what works for you! I would love to hear from you: [email protected].

*I first learned about affirmations from the book You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. I highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling with negative self talk.