When change occurs, instability follows. It takes a while for a new normal to arrive.
Some change is hard, while at other times change can bring new excitement.
As an entrepreneur I have experienced quite a bit of change through my life. For instance,
- At 21 I moved to Russia, which was quite a change from Oklahoma.
- Later in life, we started the GiANT companies and change occurred again.
- We had three children and life as we knew it changed forever.
- In 2007 we moved to Atlanta, Georgia after we merged the John Maxwell companies into our business and change would become my new middle name.
- Five years later as CEO of GiANT Impact we have created a world class experiential event organization and launched a number of initiatives that impact people around the world with several changes in the strategy and structure to get us to that position.
As change occurs, I have realized that I need help adapting. The way I do that is to create fresh change in a number of areas of my life. By creating new they become symbols of fresh starts and help the overall change flow more smoothly because I become focused on the new rather than on the change itself. Here are some examples.
- Journal – Every time I have experienced a new season or change in business I begin using a new journal or new moleskin to write in. This is a small symbolic gesture but it tells me that I am on a new journey and makes me feel excited about it.
- Schedule – Each season has its own schedule. When change occurs, mix it up. For years I was in the office by 7:30 AM and would use that time to for contemplation, reading, etc. I changed my schedule by doing that at home for this season and getting to the office just a bit later. I also have committed to be at my kids practices and games, which has changed my schedule dramatically.
- Dress – I know this sounds funny, but every season has its own dress code. Consider a change when change occurs.
- Playlists – I create playlists for every season. That music becomes the soundtrack of new life. It is a great tool to help you focus.
- Big Change – Every once in a while I make a major change. I did that recently. I turned in my leased Infiniti and bought a big Ford Raptor. This is the truck that my wife and kids wanted me to get and I am glad they did. The truck symbolizes the freedom I feel and it goes back to my farm roots in Oklahoma. It is impractical in the suburbs of Atlanta, but it is oh so practical in my mind at this season. It also means something as one of our divisions serves Ford Motor company with a number of projects.
I hope this makes sense. Counter change by changing your patterns. Adopt new things to make the change feel fresh and you will adapt more quickly to your new role. While I am not suggesting nose rings, tattoos and Harley’s, I am suggesting little symbolic changes to help make transition easier and for your own fresh perspective for the next, new season ahead.
How do you deal with change?
