Navigating Through Uncertain Times – Follow your internal compass
February 8, 2012I am giving a talk today to employees in the Nova Scotia federal government. They are facing change. Cutbacks are coming. How does one prepare? I sincerely hope that after their conference today on change some of them will live their dream of becoming an entrepreneur, or perhaps others will stretch way out of their comfort zone to land a new career. And for those remaining, I believe they can build a stronger culture inside the federal government, one that ensures change is embraced and the folks that remain in their work place are happy so they may serve the people of Nova Scotia in the best way possible.
Long before motivational speakers and psychology, there was philosophy. When people lived in uncertain times, they would pluck a quote from a great philosopher and draw strength. Marcus Aurelius, the greatest soldier, philosopher who led his people through war and strife wrote “The Meditations”, a book that sits on the bedside tables of the greatest presidents and world leaders. For they too need to draw strength. Everyone needs strength in challenging, uncertain times. These words of wisdom could be considered the greatest coping mechanism through change, to not only get through, but to come out stronger and happier.
Aurelius says, “When you toss a pebble into a moving river, in the few moments it takes to turn and pick up another pebble, the water you had just tossed that first pebble into has gone, never to come back. Life is always changing, like that river whether we like it or not. So we must adapt, go with the change or we will be left behind.” Not accepting change isn’t an option, that river is flowing, regardless of how we wish to see it.
The philosophers believe there are only four things that can make you happy:
1. LOVE your job! If you no longer like the job you are in or the work environment you are in, change it or change jobs. It’s your life to design.
2. Walk with people who support you and believe in you. If you have people in your world who undermine your confidence, it’s time to do some housecleaning in the friend department.
3. Volunteer. This is the fastest way to forget your issues and think of something BIGGER than YOU! Very powerful healing and life giving in volunteering.
4. Take nothing personally. This is a big one that will gives strength always. Daily practice, daily practice, daily practice….
Whenever I am facing change, a move, a decision to change jobs or launch my company I always hold on to the great words of Viktor Frankl who wrote “Man’s Search for Meaning”. He said two important things that can help all of us navigate through change. He said, “No one can take your joy from you.” And he said, “Always follow your ethics.” I believe firmly that one must protect these two things, your joy and your ethics, they are your compass in life, they will always guide you. Without joy or ethics, there is no compass. And regardless of how it looks in a situation, protect your joy and ethics. No one can take those two things from you. They will be your guide in navigating through uncertain times.
Leave a commentPeter Schafrick
January 12, 2012
After CBC National aired our story in December, I received the kindest invitation from Photographer, Peter Schafrick to do our photos. He does Chanel and Hermes and many of the brands we compete with. He is an angel who kindly did this on his own time. I feel very blessed to have so manypeople lifting us up together as a collective.
