Change How You Think About Change

Have you ever decided, “This is the year. This is the year I am going to focus on fitness, save money, or get organized” only to become discouraged when February comes around and you have not worked out, created a budget, or decluttered your home? You are not alone; many people share this experience. In fact, the failure rate for New Year’s resolutions is about 80 percent. Most people give up by mid-February. 

This year, what if you resolved to adjust your mindset about change and respond to interruptions with an attitude of grace and flexibility? We all lived through a chaotic 2020 that gave us a crash course in change; why not use your experience to respond well to change this year? Instead of a goal that forces you to carve out time to achieve it, life will present you with daily opportunities to practice your resolution—no gym membership, budget, or organization skills needed.

Change is not easy! Interruptions are a guarantee; a coworker canceling a meeting or arriving to find a house unprepared for a showing isn’t the end of the world, but rearranging your schedule is frustrating. When you take change in stride instead of panicking or becoming irritated, you become a happier person and a more efficient and relatable Realtor. Clients appreciate professionalism, but they will ALWAYS remember the Realtor who made them feel comfortable and calm (even during the unexpected).

How Should You Approach This Goal?

Pause & Reflect – Practice mindfulness by taking a minute to pause and reflect on your reactions to minor inconveniences. Then, adjust your mindset. Do you view change as an inconvenience to complain about or an obstacle to conquer? Your mindset fuels your reactions!

Be Patient – Give the process time and don’t let failure deter you. Habits are hard to break; keep at it!

Create A Catchphrase – Choose a catchphrase for when change occurs. “I’ll live.” “This too shall pass.” “That’s just how the cookie crumbles.” A catchphrase can push you to smile and remember that life will go on.

Change is sure in the human experience. A person who copes well with change will be looked to as an example among their friends and will be memorable to their clients for their flexibility and strength of character. They will also lead a happier lifestyle of not letting a rollercoaster of circumstances control their emotions. This year, make it your New Year’s resolution to take change in stride by practicing mindfulness, being patient, and using a catchphrase to make you smile.

How do you react to change? What do you resolve to change about your responses? Let us know in the comments!