Flickr Image: tidefan

by Cathy Del Colle*
In my opinion, one of the things that 2009 will, perhaps, be remembered for is the year most of us had to adapt to significant change. Whether it’s in the workplace or the media, on a personal level or the recession – everyone has been affected.

I recently read a blog post by Steve Brunkhorst, titled “Adapting to Change: 5 Essential Life Skills.”  The skills he listed for dealing constructively with changing circumstances in daily living are as follows:

1. Stop and think to avoid misinterpretations.

2. Think long-term.

3. Prepare for change with continuous learning.

4. Look beneath the surface.

5. Become clear on your values: the principles that guide your actions.

Some people choose to panic when circumstances change. But the list above contains astute advice.  I say that because in a dynamic time like today, it’s best to have clarity around your values, trust your actions, and slow down when making important decisions.

It’s also how you choose to react to unexpected events or actions that help other people – and yourself – understand the type of person you really are. Hopefully each change you embrace will help to develop your character and allow you to be all the wiser in the future.

How has 2009 lived up to its reputation for being “the year of change” for you? The readers of BurrellesLuce Fresh Ideas and I would love to know.

*Bio: During my 22 years with BurrellesLuce I’ve heard and seen a lot in the way of media monitoring and measurement. I originally started as a sales associate specializing in fashion and higher education. Now, I am the SVP of client services. Over the years I’ve developed a close relationship with many PR and marketing professionals. When I worked in the nation’s capital, I sat on the board of Washington Women in Public Relations, where I also served as membership coordinator and, in 1995, as president. Today, I remain an honorary member of that organization. I continue to enjoy meeting with clients and assisting them in any way. LinkedIn: cdelcolle; Twitter: @BurrellesLuce; Facebook: BurrellesLuce

This entry was posted on Monday, October 12th, 2009 at 9:47 am and is filed under Career Advice, Public Relations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.