It is a New Year and a New Decade. Why not go beyond just making a
list of resolutions to look at once in awhile to actively engage in
“change management” and make this coming year and this decade be
empowering for you?
Each year the Women’s Network Board schedules one of two yearly
retreats. These retreats provide Board members an opportunity to delve
into ideas for support and empowerment of the Women’s Network, its
membership, offerings and processes. Board members gather together,
enjoy dinner, a bit of camaraderie and get down to business. With a
light heart and sincere desire they delve into ways to maintain and
achieve greater fulfillment of the Network mission statement:
“Southeastern Connecticut Women’s Network – For Powerful, Personal &
Professional Relationships.” Through the retreat process the Board is
engaging proactive “change management.”
“Change management” is a systematic approach to dealing with change
from both the perspective of an organization and on the individual
level. For an organization, change management means defining and
implementing procedures and/or technologies to deal with changes in the
business environment and to profit from changing opportunities. “Change
management” has at least three different aspects including adapting to
change, controlling change and effecting change. A proactive approach to
dealing with change is at the core of all three aspects.
Years ago I realized that my fear and resistance to change was
simply not working for me. I decided to become proactive. Although it
doesn’t necessarily feel safe, easy or comfortable, I’ve come to expect
benefit, good outcome and even fun and adventure. Proactive change for
me is a lifestyle choice. I discover and explore new territories within
myself and transform my experience in the world. Through the process I
have gained greater confidence in myself. What follows is some of what
I’ve found helpful.
Start with a result you want. What would you create if you could make it up? Focus on change for yourself… not others.
“How did I get There …from Here?” Once you have a mental
picture/or vision you can ask a “pathfinder” question. The “pathfinder”
question helps to target and align specific steps needed to bring your
mental concept into form by looking backwards from your chosen result to
your “now.”
Believe in yourself…and a Universe of potentials and solutions
to be discovered. Be open-minded. Adopt an attitude of expectation,
observation and cooperation with feedback from the “Universe”.
Feedback is simply information for review…not necessarily a
dictum from the Universe. Initial feedback may reflect fears or limiting
beliefs that need to be processed. Review, challenge and edit incoming
information for importance and validity.
Change expectations about what is possible. If feeling fearful,
stuck or boxed in asks, “Do I have a limiting belief regarding what’s
possible?” Think of new possibilities and hypothesize new outcomes.
This shifts expectation and attitude opening a space for something new
or different.
Open territory for new results. Craft a good question. A quality question usually brings a quality answer.
Don’t be afraid to admit you need or want help. Surrender, and
open up a space for help. If it “all” seems too hard, it probably is.
Change the energy. Take time out. Breathe. Release outmoded
patterns and energy blocks through meditation, prayer, yoga, exercise
and other holistic-style therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and
reflexology.
Give and receive reciprocally. Gather group support and get
feedback. Come to Network luncheons. Join a Network Mastermind Group.
Use change to your advantage. Find out what works for you.
Establish your own methodology. The more effectively we deal with
change, the more likely we are to thrive and prosper.
Wishing All a Year full of Productive Change increasing Joy, Well-Being and Prosperity for All!
Jill Adams
Adams Healing Arts
The Center for Enlightened Change
Member and Past President, SECT Women’s NETWORK
As profiled on March 4, 2010, GRACE website www.graceforwomen.com
Copyright 2008-2018 SECT Women's Network
A registered not-for-profit organization founded in 1976.
