Make Course Adjustments

“Change is inevitable, misery is optional.” –Unknown

It is said that airplane pilots spend more time off course than on course. It is said that they spend the majority of their time making course adjustments.

It is not that they have done or are doing anything wrong. It is just that it comes with the territory.

Pilots are human. Humans are imperfect. We are all imperfect humans that live in an imperfect world.

Therefore, course adjustments are a part of the deal.

If we set out on a project with a certain end-goal in mind, it may be likely that several changes, adjustments, and modifications will be required to successfully reach the goal.

Making changes is not a negative thing. It is interesting that we often perceive change as being negative. We perceive it as a sign that something is wrong with us or our family or our company. We often take it intensely personal.

This is actually a “normal” reaction to change. However, it does not mean that it is “right”. We have to understand how our minds work. We are creatures of habit. Anytime our habit or routine is challenged to change our minds send a signal to our central nervous system that something uncomfortable is taking place. We sense a feeling of stress, a twinge in our stomach, a thought that brings displeasure, or something similar.

This is no big deal. We should never fear chaos because we have the power to create order. We can take authority over our thoughts, feelings, and emotions at any given time and take the actions that are necessary. We have the power to take the proper course of action that will “right the ship”, and keep us on the proper pathway of success.

I have found personally that once I can admit that I don’t “have it all together” and that I need help, and that change is a good thing, I find that I can make it through the process a lot easier.

Making course adjustments is a beautiful thing. It keeps us fresh, creative, and constantly growing. Change comes to make us better, not bitter.

I encourage you to welcome change. Don’t be thrown off kilter just because someone threw you a curve ball. Learn from whatever event that has taken place, make the needed adjustment, and move on down the road of success.

Pilots have to adjust what is known in aviation as there “attitudes”. If they do not adjust their attitudes, i.e., flying instruments, then they place themselves and their precious cargo at great risk. Pilots know the importance of adjusting to the atmosphere and the elements. The same is true for us. We should be confident and bold, but humble enough to make changes when needed. Our attitudes should be positive and pliable, not negative and brittle. In the long run it will help us and those that are with us to reach our desired destinations successfully and safely.

Comeback Questions:

What is your biggest challenge to accepting change?

What is the most effective way to overcome this challenge?

Craig L. Sanders

The Comeback Specialist

http://www.craiglsanders.com/