September is here and changes are happening once again. People are gradually going back to work and the kids are going back to school, be it online or in the classroom.

The one thing that is constant in life is change. 2020 has brought changes that many were not prepared for or were uncertain of how to handle or manage.

Having steps to help you manage through future change can help you stay focused, calm and come out feeling in control. Below are my 10 steps for coping with change in your life.

1. Acknowledge It and Make a Plan
   When change occurs avoid fighting it. Embrace the change versus putting off dealing with it. If you don’t then overwhelm can sink in and when it hits the mind, thoughts bounce around and you don’t know where to start. Do a brain dump! Grab a piece of paper and write it down, including what needs to be done. Prioritize your list.
2. Develop Healthy Habits
   Healthy habits  support you in being calm, relaxed and focused during change. Meditate, breathe, write in a journal, eat healthy, hydrate and exercise. Also have some fun, as these habits all support you in being the best you can be.
3. Get on a positive mental regime
   Yes, exercise and healthy eating will make you feel better, but look at what you are mentally feeding yourself. Avoid watching the news and negative people, as they can affect your mood. Read, watch and listen to things that are going to boost and guide you.
4. Ask For Help If You Need It.
   You can’t do it all and sometimes you need to ask for help when things change. If you are feeling the stress is too much or that you need a helping hand, then reach out to a friend, family member, colleague or professional to assist. Sometimes it means you just need someone to vent to so you can get things off your mind – but remember to keep venting to a minimum and focus on positive action.
5. Trust
   Trust that this too shall pass. Life will throw you challenges and with the right focus and support you will get through this.
6. Focus On One Thing at a Time
   Staying on task is not always easy especially when there is a bump in the road that throws off your focus or plan. When you make your plan and set your priorities, stick to them. Set yourself up in a place that welcomes you to get things done or think things through, such as a quiet space with all of your supplies and other comforts.
7. Set Boundaries
   As mentioned, People and social media can be big distractions. If you know what distractors exist in your world it’s time to set boundaries either for others or yourself. Block off time to tackle your to-do list, send emails, make calls and let people know your current focus and when you can make time for them. Avoid doing tasks for others that they can do on their own.
8. Get Proactive
   Take charge and figure out what steps you need to take before something happens. Avoid being reactive to things that will occur because of the change. If you anticipate that you are going to get stressed, figure out what you can do to prevent or manage through that. Seek support from those that can help you.
9. Focus On The Good
   Take a moment and write down what good can come of this change. Maybe you find new ways to do things that save time or money. Maybe you meet new people or set new prioritizes because of it. Change presents people with an opportunity to grow and it’s important to acknowledge the good that comes from it.
10. Give Yourself A Break
    In times of change, things may feel a bit out of control. You may feel overwhelmed and unable to complete your daily tasks. Remember it’s okay to take some time to just relax and maybe even have some fun! You may even make a mistake but give yourself a break and choose to learn from it as changes occur.

All of this impacts the outcome and I hope that you put steps in place to overcome the changes.

I spend every morning visualizing my day and how it will play out. This is done either during meditation, by writing in my journal or when walking my dog. I rehearse in my mind what needs to be done, prioritize and picture the successful outcome. Then I take action!

If you want some help my 7 Pillars to Peak Performance can provide you with the knowledge and tools to help motivate you!

Check it out here >> https://programs.coreymccusker.com/7pillars/