Change is not an option. Change is an Opportunity.

Change can happen slowly over time, and sometimes in what feels like a blink of an eye.

Think about changes in technology.

In 1943, the Chairman of IBM said, “I think that there is a world market for maybe 5 computers.”

In 1949, Popular Mechanics announced to a stunned readership that, “Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons!”

In 1977, the founder of Digital Equipment Corporation said, “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.”

Then there are cultural changes as reflected in a Good Housekeeping magazine article in 1955 titled “The Good Wife’s Guide” that included such advice as, “Be a little more interesting for him…Be happy to see him…Make the evening his…Don’t greet him with complaints…A good wife always know her place.”

Ladies, please don’t kill me, I am only sharing an old article, not recommending it!

Yes, change has been, and will always be, happening.

My favorite story regarding how becoming older creates new challenges is the following,

A senior citizen is driving down the freeway, and his cell phone rings. He answers it and hears his wife’s voice urgently warn him, “Herman, I just heard on the news that there is a car going the wrong way on the 57. Please be careful!”

Herman responds, “It’s not just one car. It’s hundreds of them!”

Yes, humor is crucial during challenging times of change.

Yet, how is it possible, in times such as we are seeing all around us, that we can actually thrive rather than just survive? How can we take advantage of this opportunity of change to dramatically move forward in our personal and professional lives?

There are 3 keys to taking charge of your life during times of change.

• Adjust Your Personal Vision
• Discover Hope Out of helplessness
• Turn Powerlessness into Action

In this post I would like to share Key #1:

• Adjust Your Personal Vision

Our Vision is the manner in which we see, imagine or dream of something, your unique picture of your personal future.

Then change happens.

During change we must adjust the way in which we see our future to fit the new situation/condition by letting go to move forward.

It is so easy to want to focus on and cling to what has always been and felt comfortable, i.e., the way it used to be.

Yet, to move forward we must accept the reality of change/loss, allow ourselves to experience feelings of sadness, frustration or even pain, and then commit to moving forward, learning new skills, adapting to new situations and managing stress and overload.

Ask yourself, “Where am I going” “What is Important to Me?” “What are my Priorities”

Deep down, in your heart of hearts, what do you want? In your personal life, your health, in your career, and in the life of others.

In times of uncertainty and change, where are you headed, what is your dream?

“All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible.” ~ Orison Swett Marden

Change is not an option, but an opportunity to adjust the direction of your life and career.

I look forward to sharing Key #2 in my next Post. In the meantime, in what ways are you intending to adjust your own personal vision this week?

The post Taking Charge in Times of Change (Part 1) first appeared on Dr. Nick Lazaris.