CHALLENGED BY CHANGE? UNDERESTIMATING THE IMPACT IS EASY TO DO

Gain greater understanding of how a change impacts you by answering three questions.

In a previous newsletter, I mentioned that change and transition aren’t the same thing. Change is an external event or situation that impacts us, while transition is the journey we take to grow and move beyond the impact of that change.

In the past I’ve definitely been guilty of rushing to a solution before fully understanding the impact of a change. It’s easy to do, especially given our culture’s focus on quick fixes. But rushing can mean we miss out on addressing all the ways the change affects us, which can have consequences down the road. Here are a few ideas to help you understand how a change impacts you.

Start by reflecting on a few questions:

• What is changing or has changed? Why?
• How will the change impact you? The impact may be multi-dimensional. Stick with this question until you’ve exhausted your responses. Don’t be surprised to discover both gains and losses resulting from the change.
• What are your thoughts and feelings about each of the many ways the change will impact you? Most of us will experience a mix of positive and negative thoughts and feelings about the various layers of impact.

Answering these questions is a crucial first step in creating a transition plan. Though I admit, answering them on your own can be daunting. That’s why reaching out to strong listeners among your family, friends, and coach can be so powerful. Effective listeners are more likely to ask thought-provoking follow-up questions, which can lead to even greater personal insight. The greater the insight, the better your transition plan will be.

Remember, every change is an opportunity for growth. Embrace the journey and seek support as you begin to navigate through to a stronger, more resilient you.

© Copyright 2025 Bergeron Associates. All rights reserved.