In the next several years, change is bound to accelerate, although many people feel that things are changing too fast right now. Here are seven innovative approaches to handling change followed by supporting choices:

1. Jump Starting

Initiating a small part of a project or activity in advance (getting a sneak preview) so as to gain familiarity for when the project or activity actually begins.

• I choose to readily initiate this project.
• I choose to readily take action on new ideas.

2. Total Immersion

Surrounding yourself with everything you need to fully engage in the change process. This may involve assembling resources, people, and space, as well as ensuring that you have a quiet, secure environment, free of distractions.

• I choose to be a master of the new technology in my profession or industry.
• I choose to smoothly build change into my long-term plans.

3. Managing the Beforehand

Living with the ever-present acknowledgment that change is continually forthcoming and preparing for activities or events in advance of the need to do so. This is enhanced by constantly establishing relationships with resourceful people who can help.

• I choose to recognize that change is an ongoing process.
• I choose to be open to new points of view.

4. Leapfrogging

Recognizing that while you can’t keep up with all the changes in your industry and environment, you can periodically leapfrog over the developments of the last several months and “catch up,” in a way. Combine other strategies above, such as jump-starting or total isolation, to give yourself the hours, or days, you need to read, study, and absorb what’s occurring, and to make decisions about how you’ll apply new ways of doing things and new technology to your career, business, or organization.

• I choose to maintain clarity in the face of change.
• I choose to easily pinpoint new opportunities in the face of rapid change.

5. Picking Your Spots

Related to leapfrogging, pick your spots in the future, say six months, whereby you want to have a new product or service introduced, have some new technology fully integrated into your operations, and so forth. You can’t ingest every development in your industry or profession.

• I choose to easily discover the opportunities in my industry.
• I choose to thrive on constantly changing market situations.

6. Go Cold Turkey

Not recommended unless you’re hearty! Beyond total immersion, simply suspend operations and engage in whatever it takes to incorporate a new way of doing things. This is enhanced by ensuring that you’ll have no disturbances, by bringing in outside experts, and assembling any other resources you need to succeed.

• I choose to be totally open to and readily accept major change.
• I choose to easily overcome resistance to change.

7. Days of Grace

After deciding to implement major change, build in “days of grace” to allow yourself to proceed at half to three-quarters speed. Acknowledging that assimilating the new changes will take time and involve some disruption–and not expecting to achieve your normal productivity for now. Be gentle with yourself, recognizing that you’re doing your best. At the end of the grace period, be it a week or month, you’ll be more than prepared to achieve a high level of productivity each day.

With the changes you’re assimilating, you begin operating at a new level. Days of grace taper off as new, unfamiliar tasks become routine for you.

• I choose to seamlessly implement major change.
• I choose to embrace change with grace and ease.

“I acknowledge that in my past, I have not lived the true meaning of self-love as an integrated expression of mind and body. Due to my lack of understanding, I accept that I have made life difficult in emotionally securing myself. I now pledge to transform myself so that my innate, loving qualities may shine forth from me, and bring balance to myself and support to others.”
-Michelle Lusson, Founder
Creative Wellness, Vienna, Virginia