I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “the only constant is change.” That pretty much says it all. 

Discovering how we as speakers and leaders — as human beings — can deal effectively with all this change is, in my humble opinion, the way.  How do you not only survive but thrive in this level of change? Even when you perceive the change is positive? Is that even possible?

Clearly, the answer is yes. You can survive, because you’re here, reading this! And honestly, with all the hype about being the best and doing more and more and more, that’s not only enough, but a great accomplishment! You’re here. You’ve made it! Give yourself some credit and a big hug for showing up and getting through all the change. 

Sometimes changes can be difficult to get through. Depending on what the change entails, whether it’s in relationships, work, health, home, or finances, it can throw us for a loop. It can be unexpected, and we might have no say in what happens. We also might feel completely unprepared to deal with it. I know in the case of leading and speaking, people who have incredible expertise, experience, and wisdom can suffer immeasurably when unwanted change occurs because they think they should have seen it coming, or known better. Their inner critic gets ignited, even when they had no control over the situation.

Our knee-jerk reaction is often to look for anything that can “fix” the situation and, as a result, relieve our discomfort. Usually, these fixes are temporary. 

What we often forget is to start where we are – with ourselves.

You can find wise counsel everywhere about how to work with change. I have only one suggestion, and I hope you will take it to heart: First, before you move into problem-solving mode, embrace your humanity. Give yourself compassion. Make room for the fact that things change and, regardless of the circumstances, we are all human beings, not invulnerable, not perfect. Human. 

As a leader and speaker, I’m sure others look to you for support, guidance, and tools. Of course. I believe what they need first is understanding. They need to be seen and heard. 

To do this, you need to first give that to yourself by paying attention to your felt experience. To your emotions and needs. You can’t give from an empty cup. 

So, when things change, taking care of your heart opens the door to being a loving, honest conduit for compassion. Then, you can move into problem-solving mode, and everyone will feel better and have greater access to clarity and creativity. 

We don’t have to be “great” or “the best” at something to bring real value to those in our lives or entrusted to our care. We can be our authentic, loving, compassionate selves, and that is enough. 

I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. With all the changes, there are always things we can be thankful for. THANK YOU!