Change really is a difficult thing. Sometimes we choose for the changes in are lives and sometimes they are forced upon us this is always harder, because unlike chosen changes we haven't really planned what will happen with a forced change.

It's so difficult because your moving out of your comfort zone your closing that chapter of your life and things will never be the same again.

So you put on a smile and say goodbye to your old life, which even if you want the change is still the hardest thing ever and you feel physically sick.

I find the best way to deal with change is to look at the problems and opportunities. This way you take advantage of the opportunities and minimise the problems.
Recently I decided to leave my old job and go to university to better my prospects, I definitely wouldn't have gone through with it if I had not examined the problems that where keeping me.
I decided to do a sports relate course and in evaluating my thoughts I wrote down a list just like the one below.

Opportunities
Determined to make a change, because I've done the same thing for so long
I feel comfortable going into something sport related
I'm a hard worker, always being determined to finish what I've started.
Support from everyone I've talked to so far.

Problems
Scared of moving away on my own
Worried about not settling on the course
Meeting people
Worrying that University is not for me, I didn't want to do it when I was 18 so why now?
Worried when the course is finished - what will I do? I have ideas but are they realistic?

By evaluating my problems I can see that my main problems are actually only my fears. In doing this I can concur my fears for example scared of moving away on my own can be Getting life experience surviving on my own. Worried when course is finished what will I do? Keep in touch with the careers adviser to my best to improve CV, writing, interview skills and get as much experience as I can.

In doing this the problems have been and gone I'm still studying at University after experiencing a whole new bunch of problems and I managed to fight through them and I'll fight through the next. 90% problems are just another mountain to climb it just requires the person to have the willpower to get over it.

This might not be the best way for the unexpected change but can be useful to get your thoughts together for example using the scenario of the wife running off with the milkman

Opportunities
In a divorce court I was not the one who committed adultery
Finally I can move out of this area I only wanted to stay here because she wanted to be close to her friends and family
I'm single
Etc

Threats
I feel lonely
I can't afford the previous lifestyle I've become accustomed to
Etc

So your thinking of making that change do the research required, evaluate the opportunities and threats and go for it!

Learn more about this author, JM Lane.
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