Embracing Change: Navigating Life's Unpredictable Journey

This week I have been speaking to so many business owners, HR professionals and job seekers experiencing change and uncertainty. A Coach once shared with me: "Lucy, s&*t happens, and then shift happens." Isn't that so true?

Life has constant changes. It can be incredibly exciting when initiated by us, yet daunting and utterly derailing when thrust upon us. Our perception of change often hinges on the emotions and energy we attach to it. I know it well from divorce, loss and illness, I have navigated many difficult changes and know what it takes to get through and out of the other side wiser and stronger.

Regardless of whether it's welcomed or resisted, navigating change effectively boils down to a few key principles:

Understanding the Change:The first step is grasping what the change entails and its implications for our lives.

Embracing Our Emotions: We must acknowledge and explore our feelings about the change, allowing ourselves to experience them fully. I like to think of it as inviting my emotions in for a cup of tea and exploring what they are trying to tell me.

Summoning Courage:Letting go of the familiar and embracing the unknown takes courage. It's about taking small steps forward despite uncertainties. Sometimes its just about getting through a day at a time, or an hour or even one minute at a time.

Moving Forward: Change always offers new horizons if all the actions we take are kind to ourselves and those around us.

Change is impartial, touching every aspect of our lives, be it social, cultural, or indeed, professional. It's a universal challenge that transcends age, occupation, and status. While it may never become effortless, we can equip ourselves with tools to navigate its complexities.

C&C Blog Images, C&C search recruitment london, boutique london

Jo-Anne Lema, Founder of AfterFiftyLiving, offers invaluable guidance with six thought-provoking questions:

1. Why am I feeling the way I feel? Useful for pinpointing your dominant emotion so you can tend to it.

2. Am I alone? Helpful for shifting our thoughts away from an inward to an outward perspective. There is more available resource than we realise at first.

3. Can I control my situation? Good for identifying at least one thing you can control. It doesn’t matter how big or small. It’s yours!

4. Can I handle this change? Great for tapping into your inner strength. You will be surprised at how much you have.

5. What are some good things that could come from my situation? Even in your darkest hour when things feel impossible, this question really helps you find something you can appreciate.

6. Am I treating myself well? Helpful for warding off exhaustion. Dealing with change is a marathon not a sprint where nourishment, rest and exercise can help you maintain your energy. You know the drill!

These questions give clarity, helping us navigate the turbulent waters of change with resilience and self-awareness.

C&C Blog Images, candcsearch london recruitment, boutique london

Change can manifest in various forms, from the exhilarating thrill of business expansion to the devastating sting of personal loss. It’s how we respond to it that shapes our experience. Whether it’s the excitement of onboarding more staff in a family office in London or the challenge of front of house recruitment in London, our reaction is always in our control and determines the trajectory of our journey.

People typically cope with change in two ways: through escape coping or control coping. Understanding our coping mechanisms allows us to navigate change with greater efficacy. In times of uncertainty, it’s essential to ground ourselves in the present moment. Taking stock of our feelings, recognising that we have gotten through all our toughest days so far, and finding a new rhythm can help us weather life’s storms. Rituals and routines to support us through change can be transformative.

Whether you’re looking for a new job, growing your business by onboarding more staff or gaining the confidence to ask for a promotion, by cultivating resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability, we can navigate life’s uncertainties with courage and grace. Oh and ask for help, as much as you need, as often as you need it!

C&C Search offer award-winning training courses, webinars and CPD courses via candcacademy.com. If you’re looking to recruit staff or hire a Private PA in London, our team of incredible recruiters are here to help! Let’s embrace change together, get in touch.

C&C search is London’s leading boutique EA/PA, HR and business support recruitment agency.

Lucy Chamberlain is an international speaker, trainer coach, UN Women Delegate and W Corp Ambassador.

To reach out to us for:

EA/PA, HR and Business Support recruitment –philippa@candcsearch.co.uk

Or for our keynotes, training, workshops, group coaching –lucy@candcsearch.co.uk

#c&csearch #botiquerecruitmentlondon #candcsearchlondon, candcsearchboutiquelondon