Taking the Sting out of Change

In conducting events across the country for my new book, In Her Power: Reclaiming Your Authentic Self, I’m finding that women are in search of tools to stand in their power despite changes happening at their jobs and in their personal lives. With change comes discomfort, but also opportunity—new perspectives and experiences can be exciting, not just scary. Fear is only part of the picture. Effective leaders are not limited by change because they see the total picture.

One woman shared how she was able to turn doubts about job security into a promotion.  She thought she was getting the axe, but when she didn’t, she assumed some of the responsibilities of people who were leaving. Months later, her hard work paid off, and she was promoted. Another woman was let go after working at her company for over a decade. She is now taking some time to proactively ask herself what she really hopes to gain from the next phase of her career rather than taking a job out of desperation.

Worry is a commonplace reaction to potential change. But how many “worst case scenarios” actually happen? And even if they do, don’t we always seem to get through them?  Just look at your own record! You handled them, didn’t you? Worry is an energy drainer, not a useful emotion. When you begin to think negatively, ask yourself, Will this really happen? Is it grounded in reality? And then answer truthfully. Your worry is most likely unfounded, but even if it isn’t, you will get through it.

I know how resourceful you are, whether you believe it in this moment or not. Remind yourself of your past accomplishments and the challenges you overcame to make them happen. Know you are more than any particular job. Keep building your network—get to know new faces in your profession. Remain flexible and open to reinventing yourself, and you’ll meet any change that comes your way with confidence and grace.

By Helene Lerner