There was I, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, waiting for the professor to speak...

The only constant is change. Photo by Marleena Garris

... and what words of wisdom did she offer to guide us, as new doctors on graduation day?

She said; “The only constant is change…”

Huh?

We were all sitting in our baggy graduation gowns feeling excited and a bit apprehensive.

I expected the professor to say something…well… meatier. More substantial. Helpful.

Now, I know this is the most helpful thing she could have said.

Because change is the only constant.

 In life and in work.

 The seasons change, our human lives change, we are all, constantly, growing and changing.

This week, change is in the air.

 UK schools have reopened!

Those with kids may have felt the ripples in their families. Excitement and worry.  Relief at time regained, or maybe missing our kids.

Many teachers & parents I have spoken to are feeling a mixture of these emotions too.

It can be unsettling. 

So, how to deal with change?

This is a popular topic in my workshops and a core theme of my mentorship program.

 Even positive change, like getting married or moving house can be stressful.

 I find it helpful to remind myself of my professor’s words, as it helps me to accept change.

 And if we accept change, we are better prepared to handle it.

 By acceptance I don’t mean you have to agree with, or even like the change; merely that you acknowledge ‘it is what it is.’ 

Doing this saves you energy fighting a battle you cannot win, so you can conserve your energies for battles you can win!

This, too will pass.

 Humans are an adaptive species. 

Given time and space we will adjust…

(Of course, practical things help too…) 

…get all the information you can, understand the consequences for you and your team and discuss your concerns if possible. 

Work out the timetable for change and seek support if needed. 

If there is something you don’t like, and it is a battle you can win - then go for it!

And finally…

…as March 8th was International Women’s Day, 

here’s some inspiration from one of my favourite women on how we are all, always, changing and growing;

“Now I think it’s one of the most useless questions an adult can ask a child—What do you want to be when you grow up? As if growing up is finite. As if at some point you become something and that’s the end.” 
― Michelle Obama, Becoming