Healthy and Wealthy

Written on the 11 April 2013 by Kelly Thompson

How do you cope with change?
How about those around you?

Whether the catalyst for change is immediate, phased, inspirational or systematic there will inevitably be a level of disruption and a degree of readiness or resistance. As we know with all well-laid plans, there will always be unexpected moments. However, the one constant has been vision and discipline to “plan to change” rather than “change the plan”.

As humans, we tend to respond to change the same way we respond to anything we perceive as a threat, by the flight or fight syndrome. Over the years of being involved in small to large business, the first reaction I observe is usually flight – people try to avoid change wherever possible – it’s uncomfortable, time consuming and inconvenient. Faith Popcorn, a popular futurist, calls this “cocooning” – where we seal ourselves off from those around us and try to ignore what is happening – sound familiar? This is a natural human reaction, so most of us experience ‘cocooning’ just by being passive. It’s when you don’t volunteer for teams or committees, don’t make suggestions, ask questions, or offer constructive criticism. But the changes ahead are inescapable.

Those who “cocoon” themselves will be left behind. Even worse is to fight, which is to actively resist change. Resistance tactics may be in the way of negativity, destructive criticism, and often sabotage. It’s rare we find a company without any of these unfortunate reactions. So, now that we’ve established that the majority of us flight or fight change, you can plan to change through a commitment to boost your health and wealth, through embracing change, as the vehicle to opening doors to your future success. It is the human psyche that processes whether unexpected events are loss-provoking or that they contribute to slightly changing your path but keep you heading in the right direction – closer and closer to the goal. Many of us who are running our own businesses burn the candle at both ends and are generally tired, focused on wealth generating activity and neglect to put the oxygen mask on ourselves in the time of an emergency.

The key to sustainable change is to identify self-limiting habits and environments to become “ready “ or “less resistant” to change the way. When you have established a healthy outlook your productivity at work will automatically increase and positive changes will fuel your ability to manage sustainable change.

As with everything unexpected, remember that if you plan to change yourself, you will embrace positive health and wealth changes in the future.

My tips to create healthy and wealthy habits:
1) Exercise (or play with the kids) for at least 30 minutes every day (preferably in an environment that is green or that makes you feel good)
2) Drink lots of water
3) Eat (yes! Eat well and enjoy it. How many of you skip breakfast?)
4) Most of all cut yourself some slack
5) Stop the guilt trips because you don’t

Copyright Zoom in Business 2013