The steps for preparing for change—both big change and small change—look remarkably alike. Whether you’re considering New Year’s resolutions, anticipating a sudden dip in employment, or preparing to make a big life change, you can take a few actions to prepare yourself.

First, why prepare for change?

Change means that something will be different than what we currently know, do, or have. So why bother preparing for it if we don’t know what this change will bring? Here are two main reasons: 

1. When I say prepare for change, this will involve some mental, emotional, and sometimes physical exercises. This way, you’ll be more agile and aware, no matter what comes at you. 
2. Through some of these exercises, you learn more about your capabilities and overall possibilities. Furthermore, you can anticipate obstacles and adjust. 

Revisit your values. 

When was the last time you thought about your top five values? I bet it’s been a while, if ever. Sitting down with a pen and paper or a blank screen while reflecting on what you value is a great way to regain your focus. 

There are lots of ways to bring those values to light. You can think about one to three experiences in your recent life that stand out to you, positive or negative. What caused you to feel or act that way? Or think about how you spend your time when it’s available. What do you make time for? Or you can find a list of values, like this one, and see what jumps out at you. Then look for patterns. Cull the list down to three to five values. That’s your compass going forward.

View things from another angle.

We all get stuck in our own minds. We keep replaying scenarios, past or future, in our own heads based on our experiences, thoughts, and viewpoints. If we want to get quick enough to handle change, we have to learn how to process events like someone else. Practice playing the devil’s advocate. Or in a more positive angle, imagine yourself at the finish line: you’ve achieved your goals, now look back to see how you got there. Or if there’s someone you admire and want to be like, try looking at your goals or challenges like they would.

Find your carrot and stick.

Become aware of the negative and positive reasons for changing. For example, if you’re looking to exercise more in the coming months, think through the negative repercussions of not regularly exercising and the positive ones of actually doing what you set out to do. If you don’t go for a 30 minute walk, then you’ll still feel sluggish, you won’t help your heart, lungs, and muscles, and maybe you’ll do something destructive (like attack a box of cookies) instead because you feel guilty. On the other hand, if you do go for a walk, you’ll feel energized, healthier, and like you’re a part of your neighborhood community. 

Or if you know that there are certain scary steps you need to take before quitting and launching your own business, think of all the reasons why you want to do this and what will happen if you don’t. Get specific.

Stockpile new experiences now.

By habitually looking for new experiences, we build up a stamina for encountering them in the future. If you’re trying to prepare for an unknown future (aren’t we all), instead of hunkering down in safe spaces, try including more novelty. And you can start small—try cooking a new meal, start a new walking path, pick up a new hobby and stick with it past the awkward oh-crap-I’m-not-instantly-great-at-this phase. By trying new things, we realize that our worst fears rarely, if ever, come true. And we see that we can rise to the occasion. You want to build up your arsenal of new experiences.

Celebrate victories, even tiny ones.

You did a thing! Now celebrate it! Even if your victory was just picking up carrots and hummus instead of cookies. And especially if it was you filing for your LLC. Take a moment to count your wins and feel good about them. And celebrating doesn’t need to involve a sweet treat or spending money; even giving an accomplishment some space to exist without negative thoughts dragging it down can be enough. You can also share your accomplishments. The supportive people in your life know what these victories mean, and they will celebrate with you. 

How else have you prepared for change? There are so many ways to make yourself less vulnerable to change. You could write a whole book about it. I’d love to hear more ways that have helped you or someone you know.

I’m Stacey Lane: Career Coach | Transition & Career Strategist | Personal Brand Specialist

I help individuals with unique backgrounds find their perfect fit and effectively market themselves so they find work that is as interesting as they are.

Contact me to get started!