Navigating change: Your values are your compass

Change is a constant in our lives these days – big or small, most of us are experiencing some form of change. Change affects all of us and we each deal with it differently. Some people thrive in a changing and new environment, while others don’t. Why is that? 

There are a plethora of reasons why we respond to change differently. Regardless of the reason, the first step in dealing with any sort of change is acceptance. 

We don't have to like it, agree with it or want it, but we can accept that it is our current reality. 

Instead of expending precious time and energy resisting the reality of change, we can more effectively channel those resources into an empowering and helpful response. If you can learn to more effectively cope with change, you will lower the risk of mental distress. 

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain.”  
Vivian Greene 

Our values influence how we handle change 

It's easy to fixate on things over which we have no control. Rather than focusing on what you can't control or blaming others, set your sights on what you can control. To evaluate your level of control in a situation, ask yourself, “What can I take responsibility for in this situation"? 

When you look for opportunities to empower yourself and work toward change that is possible, you’re less likely to feel stuck in difficult situations. 

A key reason we respond the way we do to any change comes from our own unique set of personal values - those things in life that are most important to us.  

Our values differ from person to person based on our unique experiences in life.  

When we experience value fulfilment in what we do, we are more likely to feel happy and maintain a sense of enjoyment, engagement and overall wellbeing. 

When our values are not being fulfilled or are actively being compromised by what is going on, our ability to maintain this sense of wellbeing is more challenging. Any change has the potential to either help fulfil or compromise some of our values.

Imagine the following scenario: 

Someone who has the value of ‘belonging,’ looks to get that sense of belonging in the workplace, by being part of a close-knit team who get on and support each other. Now that person finds themselves working remotely. They are likely to find this change significantly stressful – at least in the initial time period.  

Compare that same change experienced by someone who has an ‘independence’ value and finds value fulfilment by being able to work on their own. Their response to working remotely will be different from someone who values 'belonging'. 

Neither is better or worse than the other, they are just different.  

A person who values belonging could set up a daily zoom morning tea with colleagues and seek opportunities to work more collaboratively on projects. 

For a person who values independence, they may need to set clear boundaries around being interrupted. This could be part of a team-wide headphone code, when headphones are on, don't interrupt, use Slack or email if you need to communicate so the person can respond when available. If you value independence or know you need a quiet space to be productive, scout out a few breakout rooms and spaces where you can work from when needed.   

While we can’t always control the change we encounter, we can strategically create the environment that better promotes our values when we encounter change. Even the most subtle strategy (as long as it promotes your values!) can enhance your ability to cope with change. 

Promoting personal value fulfilment = dancing in the rain.