Why we should embrace change!

Always a great quote; “If you do not create change, change will create you.”

For many, we are often change resistant, and most of the time we do not know why, outside of if I do not have control on what is changing - will the change be for the better?

In the roles I have had over the last 20 years, I have led and managed change and one consistent theme throughout has been, that at some point ‘you must embrace it’.

I have also found the more you walk into the unknown, even if they are small steps, it does become a little easier to take that first step to welcoming change into your world when it next arrives. This can also result in becoming a bit more flexible in your thinking, agile in how you respond to activities and somewhat more relaxed about the ‘unknown.’

With that, this is what I have learnt about change.

GROWTH & DISCOVERY | Learning new ways of doing things, I previously did not know. You discover that you call upon attributes and strengths you did not know existed within.

DEALING WITH THE UNKNOWN | Change forces you at times, to look at situations differently and you find even without the full picture of the ‘how we will get there’, the destination is very clear. As a result, you become less anxious when something unexpectedly shifts.

SMALL CHANGE IS STILL GOOD CHANGE | Usually, we feel challenged in accomplishing the difficult task of making a huge and immediate change. Small change is ok and is extremely valuable to the process. One small step at a time, still means you are going forward. Many small changes will eventually lead you to the desired big one.

INNER STRENGTH | The quote, ‘no-one said life was meant to be easy’ I am sure was experiencing tough times themselves. Not all change is pleasant, especially when it is happening directly to you, though always remember, overcoming the tough times will make you stronger and a winner.

HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES | There are many buried opportunities in a change environment, and you never really know what each change may bring. When you move off your current pathway, you will experience a new world, remember to dig a little for the opportunities, as they will not all be laying on the surface.

NEW BEGINNINGS | Each change is a turning page, as they say, you cannot move to the next chapter until you have turned the page. Understanding that you will have to close one chapter before opening a new one. Change brings new beginnings.

What I can say when I reflect,

...that a lot of good things realised in my life personally and professionally are because of changes, which have taken place in the past.

Avoiding change and preferring to stay in your comfort zone is easy, however I am a true believer that once you surface the courage to take the fits step, you will wonder why you did not embrace change sooner.

About Mark Lindley:

Accomplished Human Resources Leader with extensive regional and international experience; progressive and innovative - a true developer of People & Culture. Having led organisational transformations and HR blueprint implementation, within high impact environments, delivering results with great velocity. 

Operating within complex matrix and diverse cultural structures across Australia, Asia, Middle East, UK and USA, from top 100 multi-nationals, through to new growth markets and accelerating start-ups. With a highly commercial focus on sustainable growth and capability of an organisation; Mark is a proven leader, trusted adviser, respected coach and HR entrepreneur.

Mark is a firm believer in supporting education, literacy and knowledge development, as an instrumental driver to changing the environment of those who do not have access to learning. Success will be through creating opportunities and progression for the future leaders of tomorrow.