Our Experts
managing change—March 2009
by Jennifer Conaway, CTACC, CCP | Email me if you questions or comments | Back to List of Articles
Identify the Opportunities
By Jennifer Conaway, CTACC, CCP
It seems like every time we turn on the news, read a newspaper, or
click on our internet news another company is laying off individuals
or closing. It’s hard enough when you are reading that information to
see the opportunity in the bad news- imagine if you are the individual
that has been directly or indirectly impacted.
How is it possible to see the silver lining around a change
that has been thrust upon you? If that change is a promotion
it’s fairly simple to identify all of the potential opportunities. However,
if the change is perceived as negative for any reason it may be much
more difficult to find the opportunities.
For many of us, before you begin to embrace opportunities in a transition
you must acknowledge the emotions that come with that transition. Take
the time to acknowledge the disappointment, anger and unfairness of
it all. Let it pass through you, thank the emotion for it’s brutal honesty
and acknowledge that it is no longer necessary. It IS time to move forward
in a positive manner.
For some of us that emotional barrage will last only a few days, for
others it takes a while longer. Know that those emotions may surface
from time to time and it is perfectly normal. Allow them to pass by
and get right back to the positive mind-set.
If you feel you are unable to move past the negative emotions it may
be time to enlist some outside help. A counselor or coach can help you
move through the emotions, identify the practical actions you need to
take and the opportunities that exist. Family and friends can also provide
assistance and are a great source of support.
Why do you want to find the opportunities in the transition? It may
seem obvious to some but this goes back to an earlier article – you
have a choice to make about how you view your transition. You can take
a negative, pessimistic view or you can choose to take a more positive,
proactive approach.
A great example of this is a clients’ journey after her divorce. Her
initial reaction was to fall into a deep depression. It took some time
but she eventually realized how destructive it was to allow this event
to drag her down.
Yes, it was devastating and she had a choice to make- stay in this negative,
unproductive place- or take positive steps. She started to look for
opportunities. Some forward looking action to take- beyond the practicalities
of finding a new place to live and meeting with her attorney. She made
the choice to focus on something positive.
She chose to do some serious self-reflection, to examine her role in
the marriage and to identify ways to grow. This may not be the right
approach for you, but it worked for her. With that choice, she felt
stronger every day. Today, she will tell you that it was the most affirming
year of her life.
Within that year she identified opportunities to change and grow that
she had never considered before. It became the catalyst for a move,
a job change, a diet change and so much more.
Whether you identify one opportunity or four what is important is that
you identify the opportunity. My client didn’t realize the long-term
impacts of the decisions she was making and you may not immediately
recognize the impact of your decisions. Make the choice to identify
the opportunity. The scope of the opportunity, or opportunities, isn’t
nearly as important as the opportunity itself.
Actively look for the opportunities; no matter how small or seemingly
insignificant, they are there. Next, take advantage of it to capitalize
on the potential. Remember, the smallest building block is STILL a building
block. This is the beginning of your new foundation.
Each opportunity you act on is a victory, a validation that you are
moving in a positive direction. Even if the opportunity doesn’t completely
manifest you will have learned something and focused on an activity
that moves your life forward. That focus is great for your self-esteem
and state of mind.
When it seems difficult to identify the opportunities it may be a good
idea to have a discussion with a trusted friend or associate, someone
in your Fan Club (see January /February 2009 Innerchange articles).
These are the individuals who can help you see past the emotions and
immediate anxiety to the possibilities. I’ve done this before and it
is truly amazing what other people view that you cannot even glimpse.
As you see the possibilities around your transition you will start to
see all of the opportunities around you. Some may not be related to
the transition but will produce results just as significant. It is surprising
how much we miss on a daily basis, unless we really keep our eyes open.
Open yourself to the possibilities; believe that you can completely
capitalize on those opportunities. Know that by identifying
the opportunities, acting on them and believing in their positive outcome
you will open doors you never knew existed, and your transition will
be a success!
Next month: Believe in the Power of You!
by Jennifer Conaway, CTACC, CCP | Email me if you questions or comments | Back to List of Articles
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