Can you believe it, another year over. I don’t know about you, but it seems like yesterday I was focused on changes for 2015. I guess you’re reflecting on how amazing or rotten the year was. So what will you do? Here are some thoughts to guide you.
Some Things Don’t Change
John Lennon sang:
So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
In playing this video 3 minute video, it is clear that some things just don’t change.
At work there are some things that don’t change or they take a very long time. Best to accept them as they are until you have the motivation, cooperation and situation to change them. You would definitely need a good understanding of change management models like Kotter’s 8 Step to make any progress.
Some Things You Cannot Change
Equally there are some things you cannot change.
Weather forecasting has jumped leaps and bounds in the last 25 years but you still cannot stop it raining if nature deems it will do so.
Even at work there are things you cannot change. There maybe a culture that does not sit comfortably with you. The owner is the owner and unless they decide to sell up or get out, they will be there ad infinitum.
Again, you need to accept you cannot change these things and so you should stop worrying about them. You should stop wasting your time and energy trying to address them.
It Still Leaves a lot you can change
The one thing you can change is you.
If you find yourself struggling with the things that don’t change or you cannot change then you have two choices Get out or change your attitude.
Getting out might seem a drastic measure but for the sake of your own sanity, and maybe even your family’s well being, it is the best thing. I was in sales for nearly 20 years and if I found myself in an organisation or with a product that did not sit comfortably with me then I would move on.
Changing your attitude may be an easier option for you. Try starting with:
Your gratitude – stop fighting and be grateful for what you have there is always someone worse off than you.
In April 2015, the American Psychological Association (APA) reported a study showing that “more gratitude was associated with better mood, better sleep, less fatigue and lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers related to cardiac health”.
Your generalising – it doesn’t rain every day and without water you would not be alive.
Have you ever sat in a conversation where someone says, “Oh men, they always …..” Or Sales people they are always…..” We often base our thoughts and decisions on these general statements. Yes, some men do and some sales people do; but a lot more don’t.
Next time you start generalising ask yourself – is it true? Is always like this? You will be surprised where it will take you. Or if someone starts this practice then challenge them and you could go to even more interesting areas. Let me know by writing a comment to this post.
Summary
So, there are some things that don’t change, at least not in the short term, and it may take another 50 years before war on earth ends.
Some things you cannot change, even at work where change may be the name of the game!
The thing you can change is you. Perhaps you need to change your approach and then the other two might change because of it.
Both “gratitude” and “generalising” are useful tools for changing attitude to things and people around you.
John Lennon went on to say.
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear.
Action
-
“Another Year over and a new just begun”, so make sure you start 2016 off in fine style by making some positive changes to your views on the world around you. Have no fear!
-
Sign up for our free monthly Newsletter and we will help you make it a good one.
-
I would be particularly interested in your experiences on practicing the “generalisation” activity mentioned above. Do let us know in the comments box.
Best Wishes
Trevor
The 21st Century alternative to Time Management