#560
This morning, as I sipped my coffee at 4 AM in the stillness of the early hours, prompted by my Apple Watch's Mindfulness exercise, I found myself reflecting on the countless changes that have shaped my life. It reminded me of the old saying, "Nothing is permanent but change." From the cradle to the grave, change is the one companion that never leaves our side. It comes in many forms, often catching us unprepared, and sometimes, it's precisely what we need to grow. Let's delve into the various types of changes we encounter, how they influence our lives, and what makes some easier to adapt to than others.
1. Permanent Change
Permanent changes are those that reshape our lives and leave a lasting impact. They might come in the form of significant life events—like the loss of a loved one, a health condition, or a major career shift. For me, undergoing major surgery in 2005 that resulted in a new way of life was a permanent change. Also, during late 1980s, giving up chain smoking was another significant one, as was realisation, "Marry and Love" a thunderous change to my personality. These weren't just a physical transformation but also a mental adjustment that required acceptance and resilience. Permanent changes are often the hardest to adapt to because they redefine our sense of self and force us to adjust our worldview permanently.
2. Temporary Change
Temporary changes are transient and often easier to handle. These are the changes we experience knowing they have an endpoint, like taking on a project at work that demands extra hours or dealing with a short-term financial crunch. For example, dealing with furloughs and limited travel during the global business downturn in 2007-09 was challenging, but knowing it was temporary helped me manage it better. The organization ensured that through constant communication, we were kept informed and comfortable about the evolving situation.
3. Social Change
Social change can be both broad, like societal shifts in norms, and personal, like changes in our social circles or relationships. My transition from a corporate career to self-employment in 2012 out of nowhere( Decision taken in 30 minutes) wasn't just a professional change but a social one, as it altered my interaction with people and how they perceived me. The withdrawal of the social security net and privileges that come with being a corporate citizen was also a significant adjustment.
4. Economic Change
Economic change, whether it's a financial windfall or a loss, directly impacts our lifestyle and decision-making. When I decided to become self-employed, I knew I was taking a financial risk, moving from a steady income to the uncertainties of consultancy. This shift was challenging, but it taught me the value of adaptability, financial planning, and living with a mindset prepared for flux.
5. People Change
People change—sometimes, the people you thought would be with you forever leave, and new faces enter your life. Friends move away, colleagues change jobs, and relationships evolve. The toughest changes for me included losing my mentor, Tony Bucci, and my mother passing away in 2021. Adapting to people change is often painful because it involves emotions and the readjustment of personal bonds. I still feel the void they left, and sometimes, I catch myself wishing they would come back.
6. Long-Term Change
Long-term changes stretch over years and gradually transform our lives. My 30-year journey managing diabetes and hypertension is a prime example. These changes require sustained effort and a mindset geared towards consistency. Though challenging, they offer the satisfaction of seeing long-term goals fulfilled.
7. Short-Term Change
Short-term changes are brief but intense, demanding quick adaptation. The rapid shift to digital meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic was one such change that many of us had to embrace almost overnight. Even though I survived COVID, the long-term effect on my health remains visible even two years later.
8. Situation Change and Adaptability
Situational changes are the curveballs life throws at us, like a sudden health scare or job transfer. My recent struggles with fluctuating blood pressure despite medication are examples of such changes. The key is to stay calm and act rationally, understanding that sometimes life demands immediate recalibration.
9. Location Change
Changing locations, whether moving to a new city or country, disrupts the comfort of familiarity. My travels to 35 countries exposed me to different cultures, climates, and work environments, each requiring its own adaptation. My move to Gujarat in 1985 from Karaikudi (With clear vision of never coming back to South India), with no knowledge of the local culture, followed by a return to Bangalore in 1996, was another exercise in adaptability.
10. Emergency Change
Emergency changes force us into action mode without warning. They require quick thinking and resilience, like responding to medical crises or family emergencies. These moments test our instinct and ability to cope under pressure, making them some of the most challenging changes to navigate.
11. Opinion Change
Changing one's opinion is a subtle yet profound transformation. It signifies growth and the willingness to embrace new ideas. My evolving views on management practices and leadership, and my changing opinion on political figures like Modi, reflect my journey of learning and unlearning. The ability to shift opinions can be tricky, but it's crucial for continuous growth.
12. Behavioral Change
Behavioral changes are adjustments in how we react to situations or engage with others. Developing a calm mind through regular meditation was a significant shift for me. Letting go of my expectations from people and embracing a mindset of "I am an island" has been a slow but essential transformation.
How to Prepare for Change
Preparing for change involves understanding that it's inevitable and being proactive in building resilience. Here are a few steps to help prepare:
- Awareness: Recognize that change is a constant part of life and anticipate it rather than resisting it.
- Mindset Shift: Cultivate a growth mindset that sees change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
- Skill Development: Equip yourself with skills that enhance adaptability, such as problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and stress management.
- Build Support Systems: Surround yourself with people who support your journey, whether family, friends, or professional mentors.
How to Engage When the Change Process is Happening
- Stay Open-Minded: Approach the change with curiosity rather than fear. Ask yourself what you can learn from this experience.
- Communicate: Keep the lines of communication open with those around you. Whether it's your team at work or your family at home, share your thoughts and listen to theirs.
- Focus on Small Wins: When dealing with large-scale changes, focus on small victories that keep you motivated. It helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
- Stay Grounded: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay calm and focused, especially when the change process feels chaotic.
How to Know What Is Not Negotiable for Change
In the midst of change, it's essential to know your core values—what is non-negotiable for you:
- Identify Your Values: Clearly understand your principles and what you stand for in life.
- Set Boundaries: Know where to draw the line in terms of personal or professional changes that go against your beliefs.
- Stay True to Yourself: No matter how much the world changes around you, staying authentic to your true self is critical.
Adapting to Change: The Easier Ones and the Toughest Nuts to Crack
In my experience, temporary and short-term changes are the easiest to adapt to because they come with an expiration date. Knowing that they are not permanent allows us to muster the patience needed to endure them. On the other hand, permanent, people, and emergency changes are the toughest to crack. They challenge the very core of our emotions, habits, and perceptions, requiring a deep inner transformation to truly come to terms with them.
Conclusion
Change is inevitable, and while it may bring discomfort, it also brings opportunities for growth and renewal. The more we embrace the idea that nothing stays the same, the more resilient we become in the face of life's unpredictabilities. As I reflect on the changes that have shaped my journey, I realize that adaptability isn't just a skill—it’s a way of life, a mindset that turns challenges into stepping stones toward a better self.
Let me know what do you think?
Karthik
9th October 2024, 930am.
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