Change your Mind about Change

The seasons are changing and fall is around the corner in Houston. Leaves are about to turn brilliant hues of red and gold and somehow it brings a refreshing sense of change to most people. It seems that when change is predictable and familiar it’s not scary, right?

How many of us bought our first computer and cell phone kicking and screaming all the way?  “I don’t need this new fandangled piece of technology!” “This will only complicate my life!”  “Why can’t we keep doing what we’ve always done?” Wah, wah, wah.

Yeah right. None of us can live without either these days. So what’s the big spooky thing about change?

In my work as a motivational speaker, I recently gave a presentation to Hewlett Packard on Employee Engagement at their staff development conference. The company had just gone through a huge split and everyone was apprehensive about the new HP with new people and new systems. During my 90 minute keynote, I divided people into teams consisting of all five generations and diverse cultures (this company rocks at diversity). Employees were forced to meet and work with new people to win the game “America’s Got Talent”. The results were not only hilarious, but also proved that change can be a good opportunity to network with new people and gain new ideas that boost innovation, productivity and engagement.

Not so spooky.                                                                                           

All too often it’s our fear-based apprehension that’s way worse than actual reality.   99% of what we worry about never happens.

Watch the changing of the leaves and change your mind about change.