In August 2021, 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs (NPR). This population accounts for 2.9% of the entire workforce. With COVID forcing most people to work remotely, many have chosen to reevaluate the ways in which they live and work. Mass resignations and relocations are just two signs that the world around us is going through a significant change... but how do you deal with it?
At a glance...
“Change is the only constant in life” - Heraclitus (Ancient Greek Philosopher)
Mindfulness.. but how?
This week’s podcast: How this practice can change your career
Let's dive in.
THE PROBLEM
Change can be scary... but it’s inevitable When large changes, like mergers and acquisitions, are announced in an organization, employees are often left to flounder. This often leaves employees micro-analyzing and over-imagining. “My manager was 5 minutes late to our meeting; I am definitely getting fired.” “The CEO avoided my desk this morning; I am screwed.” This type of thinking can cause you to spiral and imagine far-out scenarios that are 1) unlikely to happen and 2) entirely out of your control. You end up... ...missing out on the bigger picture What if your CEO or manager is also struggling to navigate this big change? Organizational changes, and changes in life more broadly, can affect each person differently. But, one common truth is that no one knows exactly what is going to happen. Thinking 2 steps ahead can leave you 2 steps behind Being ahead in your mind will make handling change impossible. No one can predict the future. Regardless of how many scenarios you imagine in your mind, what will happen will not be a scenario that you envisioned. Not only are you wasting your own time thinking, but you are also missing out on what is going on in the present. Everything around you is changing While you are busy in your head, opportunities are arising in the present. Tuning out of your surroundings to imagine potential unlikely scenarios will cause you to get stuck and inevitably lose time and awareness.
Truvle Challenge Actionable ways for you to put Truvle concepts into practice. Ask yourself: Take a moment to stop yourself when you are thinking about how situations may play out. Recognize that your mind is moving deeper into thought and farther from reality. learn more about this on this week's Truvle Podcast
THE SOLUTION
First, take a deep breath Mindfulness has become a hot topic in the business world and society in general... but what is mindfulness? Usually, people associate mindfulness with meditation or yoga but it can be much simpler. You can start by focusing on your breath. Mindfulness is the state of being present in the moment – for even one moment. Honesty and transparency To not be mindful is to be consumed with thoughts of distant futures, long ago pasts, and situations that are completely out of reach. At the root of mindfulness are honesty and transparency. When a person lies, they become fearful of all the potential scenarios that can cause them to be caught in their lie. Being honest and transparent allows you to avoid these unnecessary thoughts and act in the moment because you are not focused on any situation other than the present. Open to all, tied to none Being truly mindful comes with an openness to all situations. In a business sense, mindfulness and openness allow you to be malleable. When faced with a business problem, people tend to rely on past experience or avoiding an unwanted future to guide them to a solution. A mindful employee is able to be present and expand their understanding of the organization as a whole, assessing a larger range of opportunities. This whole picture view leads to more effective decision-making. Mindfulness attracts Mindfulness is an asset that can be used to become a leader, especially in times of change. People are attracted to honesty and authenticity. A mindful leader communicates with authenticity and honesty that is naturally seen as powerful. In the workplace, being mindful can help you make key decisions for your business with clarity, drive, and the support of your organization.
Truvle Challenge Actionable ways for you to put Truvle concepts into practice. Be aware when you are spending enough time thinking that it is stopping you from acting. Receive an email and begin to immediately form a response without spending too much time wondering about how your response will affect you or how the recipient will react. If you are someone who automatically thinks these things when you receive an email, take a moment to acknowledge your thoughts, take a deep breath, clear your mind, and respond based on your first honest instinct. learn more about this on this week's Truvle Podcast
THE EXIT TICKET the bottom line
Change is inevitable and affects everyone differently. The more easily you are able to step back and take a look at the whole picture, the more easily you will be able to navigate change.
Mindfulness begins with deep breathing, honesty, and transparency. Being mindful will help you navigate the unexpected and see opportunities when others do not.
Are your thoughts stopping you from acting? Take a second to pause and reflect on how your thoughts are impacting your actions.
THE PODCAST
Episode 9: How This Practice Can Change Your Career Is your job at risk? How much do you have to worry about? These are some of the questions you might find yourself asking when there’s a major change announcement in your workplace. Maybe your company is going to be acquired, or maybe there’s going to be a merger. In any case, there are ways that you can navigate this change effectively. Sam and Jon discuss a practice you can cultivate that allows you to do just that, and it just so happens to be beneficial in every other aspect of your life too. Take us with you on your morning commute or stroll to your home office:
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