Coping with Change - Becoming More Adaptable in 6 Simple Steps

Change is as predicable as the sun rising in the East. Few things are as constant in life as the simple fact that things will change. With this known, why do we seem to have so much trouble dealing with change?

Some have an easier time dealing with change than others. Some hang on to the notion that things need to remain just the way they are to the point that it is almost an addiction. Those that deal with change with a healthy and positive attitude are going to have a far less stressful environment than those that do not.

There are times when everyone is interested in change, and that is when things are going badly. However, when things are good, you need to have the wisdom to know that things won't last forever. We can all take heart, though, in the belief that everything will come around full circle back to good again.

How you cope with change can make a big difference in your life. Some facing changes are constant moaners and groaners. Others want to grab the bull by the horns and enjoy every minute of it. We all make choices.

Here are some simple tips to help you handle change in a positive manner:

1. Focus on flexibility. The sound advice of "Don't sweat the small stuff" is targeted towards making us take things in smaller increments. Instead of viewing change as a behemoth, the advice is to look at it in smaller pieces or baby steps towards the final outcome. One thing you can do is work on being more flexible. Expecting things to turn out a certain way usually leads to certain disaster.

Focus on dealing with several possible outcomes. The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray. One cannot always expect everything to go their way so leave yourself time to come up with alternative outcomes from the original plan.

2. Have a positive attitude. One will see change as necessary and good if they have a positive attitude. Things need to change in order for you to evolve as a person. Change has a great way of bringing greater opportunities for those that focus on the things that are going well, so be one of "them!"

3. Be forward thinking. Live for today, but plan for tomorrow. Living in the past is a recipe for disaster when it comes to dealing with the realities of change that is going on all around you.

Things may never be like they were; they're only like they are right now. By focusing on doing something spectacular with your present moments, one can leave the past where it belongs, in the past.

4. Ask for help. No one lives in a vacuum. It might feel like that sometimes, but it's not true. You should feel no shame in asking for help. Sometimes we need to lean on a close friend or family member when it all seems to be too much. These feelings are understandable when trying to cope with changes, especially if they are out of our immediate control.

5. Look at the big picture. Sometimes a person can get so caught up dealing with a particular aspect of change that it can become all consuming. Sometimes if we can just step back out of the fray and take a good look at the big picture, we can develop a positive outlook towards the potential outcome.

Take a breath and realize that there's much more to life. Everyone has a history of dealing with changes. Sometimes stopping to reflect on how you managed to successfully deal with changes in the past will renew your faith in not just coping with the changes that are occurring, but thriving amongst them.

6. Focus on things that stay the same. Not everything will change all at once. There will still be remnants of the "old ways" even though you seem to be surrounded by change.

For instance, maybe you're upset that you have to move away, but you can take comfort in the fact that you're moving with your family or that you'll meet some wonderful new people along the way!

Remember that everyone is different; you might find a certain strategy for coping with change better suited for yourself than someone else. Your goal is to find something that works for you!