News from Peace Begins With Me

We are entering a new era. After years of steady and predictable growth we appear to be in a time of substantial change. The health of the world's financial institutions are no longer as robust as they once were. Companies like General Motors that have formed the foundation of our modern society are at risk of foreclosure. Even our housing market, which has witnessed phenomenal growth in both value and number of units built, is in a time of stagnation and regression. Much of what we have relied on for our wealth and security no longer seems as solid and secure as it once was.

How we respond to the unpredictability of change is key to our happiness and future success. It is not uncommon to respond to change with fear and trepidation. Many respond to the change by resisting the change. A better response might be to identify strategies to enable us to move through change with grace and ease rather than fear and resentment.

Below are a number of ideas and strategies that might assist you in moving through this period of change more successfully:

1.    Accept the change. Resisting the change will not alter the course or the speed of change. It will however alter us into individuals who are angry and resentful. Successful people not only accept the change, they embrace the change. They see change as an ally rather than an adversary. Change can be a catalyst for growth and innovation. It can create the openings and opportunities needed to enable us to re-create our life and our society in better and healthier ways.

2.    Participate in the change process. Research informs us that those who participate as an active agent in change are healthier and happier than those who sit back and wait for others to decide how to respond to the change. Look for ways you can participate in creating new ideas and actions during this time of transformation. Look for opportunities to use the transformational power of change to create a better world. Become a 'creator' rather than a 'reactor'.

3.    Focus your attention on the opportunities. Look for the openings that change provides. A number of years ago I worked with an individual who was involved in professional car racing. This individual shared with me what race car drivers do in the event their car goes out of control. He explained the driver "looks for an opening in the field of cars". By doing so, the car moves toward the opening. Most people look at the walls or obstacles. By doing so, they move toward the walls or drive into the obstacles. His advise, based upon years of experience with race car drivers, is to "look where you want to go".

4.    Be positive. President-Elect Barack Obama has it right when he says, "Yes we can." We can do this! Obama's positive attitude is in keeping with the ancient wisdom that says - "Those who think they can and those who think they can't are both right." Focus on changing your reaction to change. How you respond to change is key to your success. Viktor Frankl, author of Man's Search for Meaning states, "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." Move into the change with optimism.

5.    Build collaborative relationships. Research indicates that what keeps people safe is dependent upon the number of relationships a person has. The greater the number of relationships, the safer an individual is. The fewer relationships an individual has, the more vulnerable the individual is. Thus, during times of upheaval and uncertainty it is important to invest time and energy into building relationships. Every successful business knows that innovation is essential to its survival. They also know that the more individuals who participate in generating solutions the more likely a successful outcome will be achieved. A group IQ is higher than an individual IQ.

As I enter into this time of change and uncertainty I follow the advise I found on a bumper sticker I once saw. It stated, 'The best way to predict the future is to create it.'

I look forward to participating with you in creating a happier and healthier community where we all will experience peace and joy.

Choosing peace.

Ted