VISUALIZING CHANGE

The following personal experience reflects some of the initial stages of a planned change process:

Phyl was beginning to show distinct signs of teacher burn-out. Walt was feeling stale in his role as a management and training consultant. Both recognized feelings of tension and stress. It was a good time to begin talking about the possibilities of some type of change.

Saturday morning breakfasts, at a local restaurant, became the time for initial discussion. Phyl's idea of early retirement from teaching seemed, at first, more than wild: it seemed financially impossible. Walt's ideas for writing, and for travelling during off-peak seasons seemed rather far-fetched, as well.

But, we began to explore our current situation. What would a close examination reveal? Our financial position seemed wobbly, at best dubious. If she opted for early retirement Phyl would get a reduced pension. Walt,as a self-employed consultant had his own very modest set of investments.

But, as we looked at our total financial situation, we realized that our house was mortgage-free, our kids were all out on their own (with only an occasional "Hello, Mom, Dad? I need money," phone call!). Somewhat to our own surprise, we realized that we might be able to make a change. It would mean some very careful money management, but, the important thing was, we really wanted a change.

We looked at our goals and objectives, what each wanted to do in the years ahead. We shared a desire to do some extended touring and travelling. Each of us had writing projects in mind that we "never had time for," (or, energy to do, after a busy workday). We arrived at the realization that we were, in fact, both longing to make a change. Uncertain, but with some vague ideas about what we wanted to do, we began to explore our possibilities.

After several more Saturday breakfast discussions (during which the meals were eaten but largely untasted!), we began to think seriously about the "nuts and bolts" of how we could make such a major change.

All too many people and institutions become, more or less, innocent victims of change, because they do not see, or choose to ignore, the signs of disequilibrium. In your personal life, as well as in your working career you can benefit greatly from developing an awareness of increasing feelings of instability. That awareness leads to less stress, and more enjoyment of planning and managing changes in your future.

Now, it's your turn to visualize some possible change in your life!

Visualizing Change:To Change or Not to Change? That is the Question

When you begin to accept the idea that change can be planned, rather than the assumption that change is something which happens to you, you begin to learn the early signs of "disequilibrium." You learn to start your planned change process before a crisis occurs. You become more adept at anticipating, and gaining some control over the possibilities for your own future. And, best of all, you develop the freedom to move to a new state of "equilibrium" well before the old one totally erodes away.