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How to cope with change in life and work – top tips

Change is inevitable and can happen when we least expect it. I read Spencer Johnson's internationally bestselling book, Who Moved My Cheese? to find out how best to cope with change. I learned six simple truths.

How to deal with change

Initiate change yourself

Dr Johnson uses the example of a small chain of family businesses that are reluctant to close as competition from the opening of a mega-store nearby cuts their revenue in half. They could simply wait for the businesses to close in time due to bankruptcy, causing a huge change in the life of the family, but Dr Johnson believes the owners should beat change to the punch. He suggests that they close their small shops and build a large, competing mega-store with the same family values. By initiating change, they are able to deal with the problem before the problem deals with them.

Enjoy change!

No matter how scary change may seem, there is always a positive side to it. A new job or school is a chance to meet new people and make lifelong friendships; finding yourself newly single means you have more time for your hobbies, passions, and friends. Try not to think of change as a setback, but rather a set-up for future success and enjoyment.

Be ready to change quickly and enjoy it again and again

Without change, my life would be repetitive and dull, forcing me into a continuous rut. Change is part and parcel of living an exciting, dynamic, and stimulating life. The sooner I embrace it, the better.

Who Moved My Cheese? is a fictional story about the different ways of approaching and dealing with change. Having sold over ten million copies, it has helped people from all walks of life adjust to transitions in their lives.  

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