How to navigate change with five simple questions

Photo Credit: Clay Banks https://unsplash.com/@claybanks

“The only constant is change.” This quote dates back to the era of Pre-Socratic philosophy; and is attributed to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. The sentiment, first espoused multiple centuries ago, has never been more true than it is today.  Since early 2020, we have all been inundated with a constant flow of information and change.  For many of us, it is more change and uncertainty than we have ever experienced in our lifetimes. We are faced daily with making life altering decisions for ourselves, our families and our workplaces with limited and rapidly changing information. If you are anything like me, you have probably found yourself silently (or even aloud) asking “What is happening right now?” several times a day.  Yes my friends, change is constant; so how are you adapting?   I’ll share five questions to help you take back your sanity and achieve resilience through this period of constant and rapid change.  

Question 1: Ask yourself ”what is in your scope of control?”

Even under the most chaotic of circumstances, there is always something that you can control within a situation.  Your job is to pause and figure out what you can control in that specific moment.  Often, the first (and most important) thing is your attitude.  Your behavior will always follow your thinking.  If you think you are a victim, you will act like one.  On the contrary, if you believe that you are resilient, you will look for viable solutions for each challenge you encounter. 

Question 2: Ask yourself “what are the facts?”

When a threat—either perceived or real—arises, our fight-or-flight instinct kicks in.  Our bodies are filled with adrenaline, and we are often literally “running on emotion.”  Good decisions do not come from a place of emotion.  Good decisions are rooted in instinct and facts.  Your instincts are always there, but it is the facts that need to be clarified to make the best possible decisions.  If you act on instinct alone, then you may be starting with faulty, incomplete or inaccurate information.  Likewise, the conclusions that you draw from the situation will also be faulty, incomplete and inaccurate.  This is why it is important to slow down enough for the emotions to clear and to actively seek to gain clarity on the facts of the situation.  

Question 3: Ask yourself “what is the worst thing that could happen?”

This is a life hack that I live by.  Whenever a new challenge arises, my first action is to vividly imagine the absolute worst thing that could possibly happen.  Oftentimes, I realize in the moment that the challenge isn’t so daunting and will be easy to navigate without adverse impact.  In instances where there could be undesired consequences, this hack still works. By starting with the worst-case scenario, I can work my way back to strategies that will help me avoid the worst.  Also, because I have envisioned and made peace with the possibility of a bad outcome, it allows me to operate from a place of intention versus my body’s natural response of fight or flight. By mastering my emotions, I can objectively develop viable solutions that will yield the best possible outcome.

Question 4: Ask yourself “what is the very next thing I can do to improve the situation?”

Once you have identified a strategy for managing through whatever challenge you may be facing, your next step is to get specific about the very next action you can take to improve your situation. An old Japanese proverb says “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  Ask yourself, what is the single step in the current moment that will lead you to the outcome you desire.  Eventually, the momentum of forward progress will carry you through the journey.  The key is to keep moving. 

Question 5: Ask yourself “who might be able to help me with my next right thing?”

Don’t feel like you have to journey alone.  We all have unique talents, skills and experiences. The path that you are attempting to navigate might be the same as someone in your network of family, friends or colleagues has successfully traversed. Make a list of people that might have sage advice, unique expertise or direct experience with the challenge that you are navigating through.  Schedule a virtual or in-person coffee break with each of these individuals to share what you are working through and to find out how they may be able to help you.  

In times of constant and rapid change, the ability to recover quickly and operate from a place of strength is invaluable.  It is the difference between those who lose their way in the chaos and those who thrive.  By using the five simple questions outlined here, you can consistently and effectively achieve the best possible outcomes—even in times of uncertainty.  This is the hallmark of an exceptional leader.  In times of crisis, exceptional leaders are rare, but essential. Be the exceptional leader that your people need to thrive in these unprecedented times.

Need help managing change or finding resilience? I’d love to help. Click the button below for a free chat:

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