Get your Mind on a Fitness Program
Get your mind on a fitness program. Here's 5 simple steps to get you there.
#mindstretch #personalchangemanagement #changemanagement #embracechange
As you wake, don’t forget to make Time for your Mind Fitness!!
A reminder to stretch your mind as you would stretch your body. Twist out the kinks, elongate the muscles, and reward your mind with the TLC it so desperately needs and deserves. A twist to the left, then to the right, will awaken and challenge your comfort zone until you can feel it.
Let me address your concerns before Mr. Comfort attempts to hold your next steps hostage.
You may be thinking, “I barely have enough time to get dressed and out the door in the morning” or “The stretching of my mind is not like stretching my body," or even "When my kids get up, there is absolutely no time to add anything to my already hectic morning."
GOT IT! mainly because I have been there! But... allow me to show you how to get yourself on a 5-step fitness program that elevates your mind. Welcome aboard my “Change Train.”
Choo Choo!! Let’s get shifting.
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The push
As any other morning routine, it takes effort and commitment to roll out of the bed. #PUSH to your greatness and eliminate the distractions. Set an alarm that wakes you to 15 min each day of “Morning Me Time.” Consider it with intent. Set your daily alarm now before you move on to the next step.
The setup
Choose a dedicated space in your room, preferable in front of a full mirror, to sit in comfort. I use the floor, but a chair will also work.
Turn on zen radio or spa radio to relax as you prepare to center you. (My 5 year old loves spa radio on pandora for this exercise)
The stretch
A deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth for 3 iterations.
o Think of what “I am” (physically, spiritually, mentally).
o Think of what I am grateful for.
o Think of what I will do.
o Focus your mind by AFFIRMING your “I’s” aloud. This is a super important step because affirming these “I am’s” and “I do’s” is different and may feel silly as you look at yourself face to face, and to some may even be a bit uncomfortable. #Push through. You are talking to yourself. You are talking to your best you.
The cool down
Pray and/or meditate for guidance to live your affirmations and to also be a light to others who may grab onto your positive spirit.
The consistency
Repeat daily.
Consider an affirmation that is personalized just for you.
****YOUR BONUS: The Body
While you are still seated, starting with your neck, take the time to stretch your body. Awaken your neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, hips, legs, and feet.
Go into your day as the affirmed, confident, and clear boss you are!
Own it, Drive it, Be it!
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Lolita E. Walker is a personal and organizational change management speaker, leader, and facilitator at the forefront of a movement to help busy women shift their mindsets, to take back moments for themselves. These moments translate to more productive, creative, and decisive individuals, who embrace change at the onset, act with clarity and confidence, and thrive, as they surpass their desired results. She moves powerful women into their own personal greatness. Within the disruption, discomfort, fear, and doubt, are triumphs, successes, and wins.
Lolita’s clients range from entrepreneurs to executives and busy at home moms, who each benefit from strategies to refocus, restore, and re-weave clarity and structure into their everyday routine.
Lolita is an MBA and Industrial Engineer by trade. She uniquely fuses her technical, business and personal expertise to guide others through the necessary tools to embrace change. Her organizational change management background, coupled with personal changes fuel her movement to unleash the freedom and creativity necessary to thrive during one’s “chaos of change”,
Lolita’s services range from creating personalized daily affirmations, to renewal retreats, online workshops and both group and 1:1 coaching.
I'll Take Feedback from You, and You, and You!
Feedback is a gift. Will you take it or leave it in the hands of the giver?
Hey Change Agents!
It’s 2018 and time to walk more confidently into the changes that are coming your way by deliberately seeking the awesome gift of feedback.
Allow the New Year to bring a New You. Leap into your discomfort of seeking direct feedback and know that there is occasionally discomfort from those you are seeking the feedback from. The feeling is likely mutual, so lightening the load with a smile or approachable manner is a good bet.
Ask for specific feedback with the intent of listening carefully to the strengths and the opportunities that are shared. My daddy always told me that you have two ears and one mouth and to use them accordingly.
**His voice is still in my ear despite him no longer on this earth. He even made it to part of my "Embrace, Act, & Thrive" program of #embracingchange.
Here’s 5 tips to get you going.
1. Ease the discomfort by letting them know you are seeking feedback for this specific reason and share why you know they are the perfect person to give it to you.
2. Give them time to think. Although you want the input instantaneous, allow them time to think of quality feedback based on what and why you are specially looking for it.
3. Don’t overreact. Feedback is a gift, and like some gifts, you may not like or appreciate it at the time. Take it all in and use what you can as related to your original intent.
4. Jot the feedback down. Though you may not use it all now, there is likely a bit of truth in the ones you don’t readily want to believe. Come back to it over time, but focus on what is needed to make you your best you now!!
5. Lastly, thank them for being so open and willing to share. Avoid the sensation to give them feedback. This is NOT an opportunity for you to download all of the strengths and opportunities you have for them. You are listening and thanking....remember.
Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises: A Personal & Organizational Change Management Consultancy. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She will partner with you on how to free your mind of distractions, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in the self-discovery of strengths that drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her Program, Personalized “Affirmations by Lolita,” Retreats, and other offerings that help you embrace and thrive in transition and change. Visit https://www.lolitawalker.com.
Extend your "Holiday" Season Year Round
8 tips to help your holidays last year round!
As you wind down the year and reflect on your past days with family, friends, and self, it is far too easy to immediately jump back into the hustle and bustle of everyday life, without truly capturing (and appreciating) your moments.
For some, the season brings laughs and fond memories. For others, it brings a bit of sadness and sorrow. Despite which you identify, we can agree that ‘tis the HOLIDAY season. Great news is that Mr. New Year brings a second look at EVERYTHING. He brings opportunities to start afresh and rejuvenated for the newness ahead. He brings the chance to forge a plan built upon the lessons of the past year. It is time for you to embrace what is ahead. Here’s to keeping your personal HOLIDAYS going for the entire new year!
· Hope
Believe in yourself! Believe in your faith! Believe that you are your biggest cheerleader! Affirm yourself daily to make possible the greatness that is to come. Use affirmatives of I am, I will, I can and make your best happen daily!
· Order
Order your steps. Though we believe (including myself) that we are masters at multi-tasking, the reality is that it keeps us unfocused and unproductive. Try to avoid moving from task to task, by pouring 100% into completion of one at a time. It will ease your mind, order your steps, increase your productivity, and ensure completion.
· Love
Pour love into everything that you do! Your work is a reflection of you and therefore should represent that greatness that you are.
· Introspective
Before you can properly manage, coach, direct, or help others, you must first dig deep within. Are you where you need to be physically, mentally, and emotionally? Do you have a plan already in motion to ensure you reach those goals? Leading others begins with taking leadership of you.
· Discovery
There is nothing more powerful than self-discovery! Listen to that little voice that tells you to push beyond where you are. Discover your strengths and use them to master the tasks right in front of you.
· Acknowledgement
Acknowledge that you are a work in progress. Continuously improve yourself, your processes, your systems, and your routines.
· YOU
You are your most important gift. You are your most important investment. Take care of you first, so that you can effectively take care of others. Take advantage of one of the last 3 spots for the upcoming women's renewal retreat! A perfect opportunity to invest in you!
· Simplicity
Keep It Super Simple! Simply, BE FREE! The rest will fall into place. Start each morning with a meditation, a prayer, soothing music, or whatever alternative centers you. Affirm your day through gratitude! This sets the tone for the productivity, selflessness, and greatness of your day.
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Affirmation Alley
It is never to early to start the process of affirming the intention of your day! There are power in your words, so use them to declare the greatness that you are!
Affirmation Alley: The Power that Lies Within You
Have you ever felt there was so much change coming at you at once, that you must have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time? Did you begin to question if you were going the wrong way, should you turn left, maybe it was a right, keep straight, turn around, or simply just stop where you are and huddle in a corner? Consider me that crossing guard who spots your confusion, calls you over, and guides you toward Affirmation Alley, while handing you a card to check out when you get there. You turn right at the corner, and come upon an empty hideaway, where it is only you…and your thoughts. As your heart rate slows, and the confusion settles, you finally look at the card, which has 5 simple instructions:
1. Breathe, Reflect, Release
Breathe: Realize your surroundings and know that you are in a safe space.
Reflect: Pray, meditate, or choose a preferred method, which re-centers you and brings you to a calm.
Release: Take in positive energy, and release the toxins of doubt and fear. Leave them in the alley to be washed away with the next rain.
2. Two “Gratefuls” & One “Great”
Reflect on two things you are grateful for and one thing that will make today great.
3. Two “I Am’s” & One “I Will”
Declare two “I Am’s” and one “I Will.”. An example would be I AM great, I AM strong, and I WILL get up, shake myself off, and kick ass in this meeting today!
4. Articulate your Affirmation
There are power in your words. Use them to affirm, declare, and definitely state your day's intention. State your affirmation aloud and with power and passion. Record it as a video on your phone. Say it to a friend. Review it during the day. Reflect on it that night and congratulate yourself on affirming your day!
Affirm it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next.
5. Pay It Forward
Recommend visiting Affirmation Alley to a friend, colleague, family member.
Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises: A Personal & Organizational Change Management Consultancy. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She will partner with you, personally stepping through how to free your mind, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in self-discovery of the strengths that will drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her Program, Personalized “Affirmations by Lolita,” Retreats, and other offerings that help you embrace and thrive in transition and change. Visit https://www.lolitawalker.com
7 Stops to Renewal!
What does Renewal mean to you? Here’s 7 considerations for renewing you.
As we prepare to close 2017, and leap into the greatness of 2018, please consider 7 stops along your journey to Renewal.
Stop 1: “BE FREE” Boulevard
Believe in your strengths and open your mind to now explore. Check your fears at the door and get ready to leap to the unknown. Your strengths, values, and experiences will be the net that catches and holds you up.
Stop 2: “Articulation” Avenue
There is power in claiming your desired state. Speaking it aloud builds internal ownership and is your guide to unmasking and conquering fears.
Stop 3: “Plan-It” Parkway
Verbalizing is an aspect of articulation. Documenting a plan is another. When you commit to physically creating a plan, be specific. Lolita E. Walker, Personal & Organizational Change Management Consultant, emphasizes that the more specific you are, the greater the outcome is for achieving your goals. Consider who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Stop 4: “Food” Freeway
Get off at the Food Freeway to Mindful Eating. According to Karima Roepel, Hospitality & Culinary Educator, and Founder of Ambrosia Food Group, LLC. it is important to eat foods that ground you in reality. Particularly during the winter season, grounding, rooted foods, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and radishes help maintain balance and spark wise decision-making. Sip heated drinks that include warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, and cumin. Visit @ambrosiakitchen on Instagram for tips & yummy recipes.
Stop 5: “Coping” Cul-de-sac
Dr. Safiyyah Rahman, Private Practice Psychiatrist, reminds us that road blocks are everywhere and sometimes they can unconsciously come from within. Do not get caught in a dead end. Spend time being introspective and identify those areas in need. Especially pay attention to your mental health as this is, far too often, unaddressed.
Stop 6: “Unleash the Renewed You” Row.
Embracing change is not singular! When you begin the process of rejuvenating your mind, body, and soul, you are on your way to unleashing the “new you.” On this row, are those who are depending on you for success along your journey. Embracing and empowering them will fuel your continued strength.
Stop 7: “Invest in You” Intersection
The intersection of You and Change is the investment in yourself. Change begins with you and it is essential that you invest in its foundation. Invest in a massage, take unplanned time off to spend with your friends and family, indulge in a golf or movie day, find a …..Renewal Retreat!
Are You Ready to Board the "Change Train?"
Are you ready to board the "Change Train?". Use these 5 tips!
THE CHOICE IS YOURS.
You have been planning this trip for months. Your out-of-office message is on, your ticket is printed, your bag is packed, and you are finally headed to the train station. As you enjoy the open road of comfort and familiarity, you come upon a caution sign that reads “CHANGE AHEAD.”
Your mind instantly races to what this may mean for you and your trip. This single sign of caution is the catalyst to a series of decisions you will make along your journey.
Do you keep going? Or do you allow the fear of unknown to stifle your plans and force you to quickly turn around?
THE CHOICE IS YOURS.
Deep down, you already know what to do! You have worked too hard and planned too long to turn back now! You must keep driving with the purpose of boarding that train – ON TIME!
ALL ABOARD THE CHANGE TRAIN! CHOO-CHOO…..
Here are 5 tips to make the best of your journey.
1. Find Your Right Train
You get to the station and all of the trains look alike. The train numbers are not easily identifiable and no one is in your immediate sight to ask for help. Learn as much from the information desk as possible. Get guidance on finding the right train, which will have the right conductor to take you to your change destination.
2. Board with Confidence
You have researched, planned, and are ready to go!! Though your trip began with an unexpected change, you are ready and willing to take the ride. Board the train with increased confidence in yourself, your experiences and your skills. Those core aspects are within your control and are what define your expertise. Believe in them!
3. Engage Other Passengers
Seek to understand. You are not on this journey alone. Connect with others who have experienced the same or similar changes. They have insights on what you should expect during your transition. They may also share how they navigated their journey– the successes and failures. Don’t miss out on information that people are willing to share. Step out of your comfort zone and engage them!
4. Share Your Story
Though you may be at the start of your journey, you have a story to tell. Share how you learned about the change, what fears you have, their triggers, what you are hoping for, and what role you see yourself playing.
5. Have an Arrival Plan
When you arrive, you'll want to make the most of your trip, so properly plan. Outline your to-do list, who you need for support, when you will do it and how each will help you reach your trip goals.
Most of All.......Enjoy the Ride. Your change train will make many stops along the way. Learn from each and keep the lines of communications open with all you meet.
If you need me along the way, I am here.
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THE CONSULTANCY
The consultancy was birthed from the notion that individuals and teams benefit from an unbiased outsider freeing minds to more effectively transition through change - whether work, home or life. One of the program outcomes of a tangible change map, serves as an accountability tool to guide you, and those who depend on you, through your transition.
THE FOUNDER
Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She is the change management consultant who will partner with you, personally stepping through how to free your mind, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in self-discovery of the strengths that will drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her program by visiting https://www.lolitawalker.com
Hello. My Name is Fear.
Hello my name is F.E.A.R. Allow me to reintroduce myself!
Let Me Re-introduce Myself...
My name is Fear. I come around every now and then, but today i want to speak with you face to face. I am that little butterfly emotion that lives within you. I stir up those confusing and anxious feelings that stand at attention in your mind, heart and body, whenever you think of stepping out of your (and my) comfort zone!
I shouldn’t tell you this, but your friends, Confidence, Expertise, and Belief, can easily knock me down with just one look. Please do not allow my lies and manipulations of what could have been, handcuff your experience, potential and authenticity. If you continue to allow me to maintain control, I promise to leave you in an empty room full of despair, nervousness and the stubbornness of staying stagnant.
As we walked down the street just the other day, there was a sign. It said “Fear is a Liar.” I thought for sure, right then and there, that you would cast me aside, however it seems that I have planted myself so deeply within you, that you overlooked the truth within the phrase.
Well, today, I am officially here to give you permission to LEAP into YOUR GREATNESS.
Here are a few ways you can identify your fears and hold them at bay. Grab a sheet of paper when you have time to truly reflect and when you are in a space to be open and honest.
1. When you think of the change you are currently experiencing, what fears are associated?
2. Think through why you classify each of these as fears.
3. What triggers these fears to take hold?
4. What physically happens to you when these fears arise?
Now that you know what is physically happening to you when Fear peaks its head, you have regained your power! Face fear head on and tackle it as you do any other distraction that takes you away from your most productive state. Let’s say that again. Tackle fear as you do any other distraction that takes you away from your most productive state! Though fear will peak every now and again, when you are prepared to tackle it, you have the power to truly hold it at bay and move on to embracing what Fear attempted to take over!
Knowing, Triggering, Resolving!
Don’t allow Fear to handcuff you to a place of the unknown. There is too much to do, too much to learn, too much to conquer. Embrace change and knock fear on its butt!
Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She is the change management certified coach and consultant who will partner with you, personally stepping through how to free your mind, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in self-discovery of the strengths that will drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her program by visiting https://www.lolitawalker.com
You Need A Change Partner
Ready for a change partner? I am here to help you on your journey today.
A Guide to Drive Accountability and Help You Realize Wins.....But Why???
Change leads to progress. Though common knowledge, change stumps us at first, is more disruptive as it evolves, and sheds light at the end of the journey. The tough part is that, from where you are standing, that light seems to simply be a shadow of what can be. Change becomes a more difficult road to travel alone. Once you digest the initial fundamentals of knowing:
What the change is
Why the change is important
How you fit within the change
When the change will take place
Who else the change will affect……You oftentimes need to find a seat in a faraway corner simply to take it all in. Overwhelming, right? And think..... if it is overwhelming to you, what about your children, your family, your subordinates, and your teams who will be grabbing their bags and taking the journey with you.... some excited, some a bit reluctant, and some that have yet to even know how they feel. The good news is that a change partner acts as your coach, accountability partner, mentor, confident and the cornerstone that drives you to productively function in the midst of your transition. They provide tools that free your mind to make clear and confident decisions. They remind you of actions you know equate to a successful win on the other side of change. Assuming the change doesn’t shift your ethical compass, embracing it will be the start to your new normal.
EASING INTO CHANGE
It is easy to wander off the path of healthy change when there’s so much on the line. Big dreams, lofty goals, pressure for results and the black abyss of unknown can be scary, though achievable. The gentlest way to ease into a change is to set and meet small goals. These little victories cultivate growth, establish a sense of trust, and create belief in those who depend on you for success.
As you realize wins and overlay them with what will remain constant during the change, you then become increasingly confident in navigating within the new space.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE
Change is good. Without it, we become stale, stagnant and planted in a sea of status quo. There is no denying that embracing change is tough, however seeking a partner is a strength that you will appreciate when you are growing and thriving in your new beginning. It is easier to share the weight with a friend who will hold you accountable and challenge you on the journey. With Walker & Walker you have a professional friend to help you not only embrace change, but also thrive in it.
THE PROGRAM
The 5-step program offers viable steps to clear, confident & cohesive change:
1. Manage Transition
2. B.E. F.R.E.E.
3. Get C.L.E.A.R
4. Build with Intent
5. Maintain & Sustain
By the end, you will have constructed a C.L.E.A.R change map, which houses strong pillars of support, actionable plans, and commitments of personal accountability to drive results.
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THE CONSULTANCY
The consultancy was birthed from the notion that individuals and teams benefit from an unbiased outsider freeing minds to more effectively transition through change - whether work, home or life. The programs' outcome of a tangible change map, serves as an accountability tool to guide you, and those who depend on you, through your transition.
THE FOUNDER
Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She is the change management consultant who will partner with you, personally stepping through how to free your mind, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in self-discovery of the strengths that will drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her program by visiting https://www.lolitawalker.com
Learning from Your Lessons of Change
Ready for your Change Lesson? There are so many to learn, but let’s simply begin here.
The Lessons of Change
Mrs. Change has taught me soooooo many lessons throughout my lifetime. It’s as if she strategically dropped breadcrumbs along my journey, knowing I would one day reflect and realize there was a use for each one. The lessons were always in plain sight, however blocked by fear, anxiousness, doubt and the unknown. Whether it was the change of being a mom 3-months earlier than expected, or the change of my father passing after 36 years of being an instrumental vessel in my life, or the change of a smaller company acquiring the well-known business I supported for over 17 years, the lessons I clutch tightly are the foundations that have built my consultancy.
My passion of partnering with an individual or a team helps me to step them through the disruption that change has brought to their normal. Facilitating the discussions that free their minds to think clearly and confidently, to then be in a space of open navigation, prompts them to leave lessons of breadcrumbs for those who follow. The intersection of the change and their personal transition is what drives my commitment to live this work!
I would LOVE to learn, through your comments, what is your largest lesson from change? As for me, I will share five of the breadcrumbs that I consistently hold onto during my change journeys:
Lesson 1: Articulate change clearly.
Change is hard at first. When the first domino of change falls and all others are in the perfect line to follow suit, it becomes difficult to articulate your true change statement. This clarity is necessary to create any sustainable actions. Take a pause to articulate your change. After you have done this, breathe! Then dig in and ask yourself why—3 times. Likely you are now at the source of what the true change is. That single domino that stands tall at the forefront is exactly what you want to articulate and what you will create your plans toward. Write it in the form of when, what, and change impact. As a result, you become clear and focused to create the correct plan towards actions and acceptance. For example:
On January 15, 2017, I was laid off from my Vice President position at the company I have worked for 30 years and this has significantly impacted my family’s financial security and lifestyle.
On February 21, 2017, our company was acquired by a significantly smaller company, who is uncommunicative and incomparable by way of benefits, and there is a high threat of a 45-65% employee turnover in the next 6 months.
Lesson 2: Others depend on your success.
Change breeds choices. It is natural to initially be entrenched in how the change affects you alone, despite you being one of many within a family, team or organization. Change is personal and shakes us at our core, therefore oftentimes making us feel and act in isolation. What can you do to assess who truly needs your attention while on your change journey? You have lots of work to do and must be a bit selfish with your time, energy and commitments. It will look and feel different for you, however the promise on the other side of change is well worth the temporary selfishness and attention. Divide a sheet of paper into 3 columns. Write down the names of those who depend on you, what they are dependent upon you for, and if their dependency is associated directly with your change or may result in negative impacts from your change. For those that have a "no" in the third column, consider having a 1:1 conversation with each. You will share that the focus for the next 6 weeks is to embrace and thrive in your own change and would love their support to do so. Their support looks like a difference in how you are currently supporting each of them (which is what you have written in the second column of your sheet of paper). Be clear in your discussion.
Lesson 3: Let go of the old to fully embrace the new.
Change is emotional. Focusing on what you will gain in the change will help you let go of the old way of doing things. Your status quo has served its purpose!! It is time to progress to the unknown, which promises the endless possibilities of all you will become and the impact you will make. Let go and leap to greatness!
Lesson 4: There is strength in seeking help on your journey.
Change allows you to work smarter not harder. Identifying your support system and leaning on them for tangible activities during your transition is a sure sign of strength. Change helps you become vulnerable. The power that comes from not tackling it alone is AMAZING, FREEING, and places you where you should be. Arriving at the renewal stage of transition and finally embracing your change will validate the strength, confidence and conviction that you have always had.
Lesson 5: Nothing changes if your status quo remains the same.
Change is progress. One thing that is constant is change, and she will pack her bags and leave you standing on the sideline of status quo. You are not here for that! To learn, to progress, to grow and to thrive means that you will grab your to-go bag full of breadcrumbs, disrupt the norm, embrace change, and leave lessons along your path to successful change!
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Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She is the change management consultant who will partner with you, personally stepping through how to free your mind, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in self-discovery of the strengths that will drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her program by visiting https://www.lolitawalker.com
What can I do with this big ball of change?
Change is coming like a bowling ball down the lane. Ahhhh, what next?
Is there a ball of change coming at you from every direction?
Have you asked yourself what to do with it?
Well...I say GRAB HOLD & ROLL WITH IT!!!! And here is why!
No matter how you twist and turn it, roll it or throw it, Change is here to stay. It can happen very quickly and is unfortunately, not within our control. It is scary, takes us to a world of the unknown and shifts the normalcy of our lives. Focusing on the pieces within our control will aid us in a smoother transition to embracing the change. But what is change??
Google defines it as:
My perspective is that change is any scenario that differs from your status quo. My take on grabbing that ball of change and using it to bowl that perfect strike, is intertwined within my Change Poem below.
Change is this uncomfortable new thing some say I should quickly embrace
Holding court in my head, trying to maneuver in this space
Asking questions on why or how I can bring back the old way
Now accepting that my soon-to-be, new friend “change”, is here to stay
Gradually realizing I am in only the 1st of a 3-transitioned phase
Emotional and uncomfortable, I am ready to transition within this change maze!
LET'S GO!!!
Here are 10 tips to help you transition through change successfully.
1. Acknowledge that there is a change. There is power in verbalizing the shift.
2. Allow yourself time to transition to acceptance. It is ok! Letting go of the old is an adjustment. Settling into the new is not instantaneous.
3. Listen intently and communicate openly about how this new change affects you, as well as others who depend on you.
4. Identify what your fears are, as related to the change. Think through how these are triggered and create a quick recovery strategy when the fear becomes present.
5. Determine who you will lean on for support and why. Expect the relationship to constructively help you thrive within your change.
6. Declare an accountability partner. This person is beyond a friend. This person will tell you the truths you may not want to hear, alert you when you are stuck and hold you hostage to the commitments that you make on your change journey.
7. Link your personal goals to the change goals and stay focused. Focusing on your “change win” will bring you a sense of calm.
8. Create an end state goal, post it where you have daily visibility, and then break it into manageable pieces. Create a plan for what you will have accomplished in buckets of 3-months, 1-month, 2-weeks and daily. Each plan should link to your already-declared end goal.
9. Realize that the change is not going away. Let’s make it work for you!
10. Pause for Rewards!!! You are making strides towards embracing your change! Celebrate!
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Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She is the change management consultant who will partner with you, personally stepping through how to free your mind, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in self-discovery of the strengths that will drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her program by visiting https://www.lolitawalker.com