Innerchange magazine online showcases monthly columns on spiritual matters and alternative health solutions; offers great recommendations on movies, books, and music; links to inner and outer change practitioners and businesses; highlights fantastic artists and their art; defines and explains tools for change; and provides a calendar of events for community members.
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Our Expertsmanaging change—November 2008by Jennifer Conaway, CTACC, CCP | Email me if you questions or comments | Back to List of Articles Getting Started With Managing Change: Ask for helpBy Jennifer Conaway, CTACC, CCP There are some things we just don’t talk about very often. One of those is asking for help. For many people it can take a lot to admit that they need help from family or friends. Admitting that you need some outside assistance may seem like a huge leap! I’ve been through transitions that required some qualified assistance. I love my family and friends but at some point I had to admit that they weren’t the most qualified individuals to help me through a tough time. Transitions can be challenging enough without admitting that you can’t handle it on your own. Asking for some help does not reflect poorly on your self-confidence or abilities. Quite the opposite is true! It’s about having the self-awareness to realize you can’t do everything yourself. Think about it from this perspective- how many times have you been in a situation where you wished you had someone’s advice, someone to discuss ideas or questions with, an opinion that wasn’t biased by family relationships or friends that only want to tell you what you want to hear? (Yes, It happens! These friends truly mean well and are part of the rich fabric of your life, but they aren’t always the most objective.) The strength to realize some outside help would be beneficial is exactly what is required. Your inner voice may have been telling you this all along. It’s that nagging feeling that someone else might have some really good information, if you could only figure out who that person is! That is exactly where I was when I started working with my first coach. Unsure of where to get the objective information I needed or of what issue to focus on next I found a coach that really listened. She was honest, blunt, and raised questions that opened doors for me. I was open enough to admit that I didn’t have all of the answers and to explore questions that I hadn’t wanted to ask myself (or I didn’t know to ask myself). A personal or business coach, therapist or counselor can help you to really understand all of the issues involved in the transition. This individual is responsible for providing non-judgmental and unbiased guidance. You will still need to think actions through and make sound decisions. The counselor will help you to understand your true feelings, the complexities involved in these decisions and concerns about those issues. The assistance you receive is no substitute for common sense and an understanding of your particular situation and transition. At the end of the day, you are responsible for the success of any transition and the relationship with your coach. One of the greatest benefits is that you no longer feel like you are in this alone. You now have help from someone whose only role is to support you fully. by Jennifer Conaway, CTACC, CCP | Email me if you questions or comments | Back to List of Articles
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