JS Tip 577: Dealing with Change

We asked for topics. You suggested topics. We’ll address your topics.

Rob Brems at Dixie Technical College suggested we explore the title of one of our workshops: “Dealing with Change in Uncertain Times.” 

The first element in dealing with change is attitude. We’ve gathered advice from people we admire: 

Viktor Frankl. Holocaust survivor. Author of Man’s Search for Meaning: 

“Everything can be taken from man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s own attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” (Man’s Search, 66, italics added)

Chuck Yeager. Former pilot and test pilot. First person to fly faster than the speed of sound. World War II and Vietnam combat veteran. On fear and stress:

“If you can’t do anything about the outcome of something, forget it. Instead you better concentrate on staying alive where you are. It’s just plain stupid to get so scared that it affects your performance.” (The Associated Press, October 27th, 2002)

Colin Powell. Former Secretary of State. Former National Security Advisor. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

“Don't take counsel of your fears. Fear is a normal human emotion. It’s not in itself a killer. We can learn to be aware when fear grips us and can train to operate through and in spite of our fear.

“If, on the other hand, we don’t understand that fear is normal and has to be controlled and overcome, it will paralyze us and stop us in our tracks. We will no longer think clearly or analyze rationally.

“We prepare for it and control it; we never let it control us. 

“If it does, we cannot lead.” (It Worked for Me, 26)

Attitude is the key. 

We choose our attitude. 

We love this stuff.