Change Management from Childhood through Seniors

Change is the ONLY reality in Nature – Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher

As we look back at our lives, we see that we have changed over time and have made changes in our lives.

This has become even more profound in the last year with the new reality of the pandemic. Our lives have changed, and so have our lifestyles. It has impacted children, adults, and seniors alike. Social interaction is limited to the internet-based applications. Learning has moved online. The experience of childhood is no longer in the environs of schools, teachers, and friends. The challenges of the physical playground and schools have moved to those at home and the web. The job scene for adults to put food on the table are in suspense. Seniors no longer have real contact with their loved ones. They have to conform to the changing realities of tech-based interactions on the internet instead of the real ones – they must change too!

Like many out there the year 2020 brought significant changes in my life and my family dynamics. I had options to deal with the tsunami of negative thoughts, or I could do something to channelize the energies that were killing me. My HR background and experience has taught me to be positive. And so, I ventured on this ambitious project to create a website of Indian culture for our future generation(s). Now, I have little time to engage in negative thoughts. This process of creativity and positivity has changed and enriched my life. In my enthusiasm of what I wanted to introduce to the future generations I created a Vision Board of what I wanted. In the process I possibly drove my team crazy!

Most important is the Blog section where I would like to address issues that we face today. I would like this to be an interactive page, respecting diverse opinions and thoughts. Here are some tools one can use as self-help.

Vision Board

What is a vision board?

A vision board is a tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on what really matters to you. On this board you display images what you need to do and how you get there. This can be applied to Changes you may be going through at any stage of your life; as indicated in the “Stages of Changes for Individuals”. This is setting your goal and working towards it, in other words a road map to your goals. The road map can be straight line or it can zig zag and it is a living document; means it can change as often as you like. This is not for everyone; some can do it without putting it on paper.

How to create a vision board:

A few magazines
Scissors
Glue or pins
A sturdy poster board

How do you begin:

Go through the magazines, cut words and images that remind you of the vision of what you want your life to look like. You may not use all of them, but its ok, important to have a selection from which to choose.
The goal could be about your finances or your relationships, move from one place to another or just how you are going to manage through this pandemic etc.
Sort through them to create a picture of what you want in your life. You can have only pictures or just words or even a combination of both.
When completed put it in a place you can see it daily to help encourage you to work towards your intentions.
Remember, you are working towards your goal !

Stages of Changes – Examples

Definition/Examples

Strategies for Transition

Self – 0 End Zone

·Little knowledge of, and/or awareness with, the personnel change is indicated.

·“I have heard about older people going through changes physically and mentally, but I don’t really know what it is about or what it involves.”

·“I don’t really know what my family; immediate or close relatives think – what is happening.”

·“I am concerned about what will happen to me mentally or physically.”

·“Am I financially stable”

·“Will my family support me or will I be all alone mentally and/or physically.”

·“What will happen to me when my significant other is no longer here.”

·“Do I know how to pay the bills or what is there.”

·“Where are my bank accounts and other financial investments”

·Involve family members in discussions and decisions.

·Discuss with the immediate family and/or doctor.

·Encourage questions, share accurate information.

·Provide opportunities for two-way conversations.

·Be sensitive to uncertainty.

·Read and or use technology to equip for these changes and discussions.

·Understand Finances or find resources to help with this.

·Is there a Will and/or Trust – do I understand and know how this works.

·Research on nursing homes or places you would like to stay and/or have discussions with family and friends.

·Be in control of your destiny.

·Look for ideal situation for you and family.

Self – 1 Neutral Zone

·General awareness of the change and interest in learning more.

·“I am very interested and would like to learn more – where and how do I find out about this.”

·“Do I need to go to seminars or can I speak with my family members without being judged – I am uncertain where to turn.”

·“All my friends are being supported by their family, but why is mine not supporting me.”

·“I feel abandoned – what do I need to do.”

·“What is my “In-Law” situation.”

· Communicate with family – provide/receive clear and accurate information.

·Use a variety of strategies; seminars, internet, books etc.

·Communicate with each family member.

·Bring in external expertise, if necessary.

·Encourage and discuss honestly.

·Research and recommend where they can find information.

·What will be helpful in this no-man’s land?

·Recognize it is OK to feel confused, hurt and afraid during this stage.

·Equip yourself with all the information you need regarding all the uncertainties to feel confident.

·Transition is Psychological and not easy to manage.

·Transition is letting go of the past and changing your behavior – hard to do!

Self – 2 Beginning Zone

·There is uncertainty about the roles and demands required by the change. But, change is inevitable.

·“I have made some of my decision, but how will it work.”

·“I am worried and confused regarding my role in this family or circle of friends as I move forward.”

·“How will my new routine work out?”

·Acknowledge the personal concerns.

·Provide encouragement.

·Encourage collaboration and sharing.

·Allow for slow implementation, at different rates for different people.

·Encourage and support without pushing.

·Make expectations clear and personal.