Find Time to Manage Change … Just Ask Paula!

How do you manage change when it arrives on your doorstep? Read on for some helpful ideas…

Finding time for dialogue with members of the Finding Time community is one of my favorite things! We invite readers’ questions and comments – and I love highlighting them here, most Thursday’s. Read on – and please feel invited to join in!

Manage change when it’s sudden…

Here’s a question about dealing with sudden change, from Theresa in Chicago:

Dear Paula,

I need your help for a sudden change that my family is confronted with! My partner must relocate to Atlanta within weeks to keep his sales manager position.

He is our main breadwinner, and his saying no isn’t an option in this economy. But I have no experience moving to a new location, and must ready my 2 school-aged children, as well!

My head is spinning, I’ve lost my appetite and I can’t think or sleep. But everyone is counting on me! Can you please advise me how to make it through this ordeal? I hope you can answer this right away.

Thanks so much.

Theresa

Here’s my response…

Hi Theresa

You certainly have a lot on your plate! Here are some ideas for you to consider, as you navigate this challenging time!

1. The first thing I would suggest is to stop and find a comfortable place to sit, perhaps in a favorite room. Close your eyes and become aware of your breathing. Make sure you are breathing deeply and from your belly.
2. Next, create an affirmation that you can take with you at all times. For example, “I’ll get through this one minute at a time,” or “Step by step will get me there.” Use this as a mantra and a guide.  Also, don’t be shy about changing it as things evolve.  You can adapt your tools to your needs at each stage!
3. Be creative about options, and flexible. Family members may be unsettled for a while. So it may help to relax your expectations a bit until new routines can be established.
4. Concretize everything in writing, including an ongoing list to record items as they come to you. That frees up your mind for other tasks. Focus on one thing at a time. Validate even the smallest successes.  This is key!
5. Delegate tasks and ask for help. Engage your children in age-appropriate activities. That helps them develop understanding and ownership of the move.

I hope you find this helpful.

Best of luck to you … I’ll be thinking about you as your move unfolds!

Paula

How do you manage change?

What kinds of sudden changes have you had in your life?  How did you cope?  Do you have time questions you’d like me to explore here?  Please drop me a line at paula@thetimefinder.com – I’d love to hear!

Oh, and don’t forget to join me on Wednesday, March 3 at 7PM ET as I interview Certified Life Coach and Professional Organizer Maggie McCauley, LICSW about moving yourself “From Chaos to Peace—Creating an Inspired Workspace.” Maggie will let you in on the secrets to stop letting chaos and clutter drain your time and energy, sap your creativity, and cost you money!  Be sure to grab your free seat and join us!

What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up for your FREE Finding Time Success Kit. It puts 3 key tools for your time success right into your hands! Grab it and see how you can recharge your energy, reduce overwhelm and frustration, and come to learn that 24 hours really ARE enough!

Let’s explore time together …