Career Coaching 3-Part Series (Part 2): Bouncing Back From Major Life Changes
“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” ~Christopher Reeve
Career Coaching 3-Part Series (Part 2): Bouncing Back From Major Life Changes
There is no escaping the fact that on the path of life you will eventually come across difficult events and challenging situations. Obstacles will appear sometimes out of nowhere and unforeseen new directions will need to be taken. It is not surprising that these events occur, yet they always seem to take us by surprise.
In my last blog I talked about some of the ways you can calibrate your internal compass to better navigate your life. However, there are also a few ways to prepare for life’s challenges that will serve as protection for the uneven terrain we all encounter on the path of life.
A few of these things include…
A Meaningful System of Support
One of the best ways to endure a crisis is to have the support of another person who can listen and validate your feelings. Knowing that others care and will come to our support decreases the feeling of isolation, especially when tackling a problem alone. It’s important to choose people you trust. Don’t be surprised if it takes several friends, each of whom can provide different kinds of support. According to PsychCentral, social support has also been shown to decrease depression after strokes and perhaps even lower chances of developing heart problems and dying prematurely. Resilient people aren’t stoic loners. Resilient people know the value of expressing their fears and frustrations, as well as receiving support, coaching or guidance from friends, family or a professional.
A Wide Range of Interests
People who show resilience in the face of adversity are those who have a diversity of interests. Resilient people are open to new experiences and ideas. Because their lives are rich and varied, it’s easier for them to find relief from the single mindedness and worry that often accompany a crisis. Keeping up with hobbies and keeping your mind sharp with things that interest you can be one of the most important things during challenging life situations like career changes. Some research shows that those who are in stressful, low-control, high-demand situations can feel less of a need to ‘recover’ from their day at bedtime if they have more physical or social leisure activities that aren’t work-related—more hobbies.
People and Objects That Make You Laugh
Have you ever had a wry laugh during a difficult situation? The ability to see the absurdity, irony, or genuine humor in a situation stimulates our sense of hope and possibility. Humor has both psychological and physical benefits in relieving stress because it encourages a swift change in your perception of your circumstances—and when your thoughts change, your mood follows. Engaging with lighthearted people or even watching a funny movie can help to lighten your mood and keep your sense of humor.
Do you use any of these resources in your life? Do you have a different one that helps you? Leave a comment and share with us what is working or not working for you.
If you need any support moving through your difficult life change contact me for a free session today.
Appreciatively,
Dr. Lynn K Jones
P.S. Share this blog or the image below with someone who may need a little support and direction today!
Dr. Lynn K. Jones is a Board Certified Coach and an Advanced Certified Personal and Executive Coach based in Santa Barbara, California and a sought after coach and consultant for organizations and individuals across the US. Her doctoral work completed at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University concerned organizational culture; she coaches, consults and trains organizations on what they need to do to create organizational cultures that are aligned with their vision and values using a process of Appreciative Inquiry. She coaches individuals on achieving their reflected best selves. A MSW@USC faculty member, Dr. Lynn K. Jones, MSW, DSW, CSWM, teaches Human Behavior and Social Environment and Leadership to social work students at the University of Southern California.
This article is so helpful in dealing with all types of adversity, Lynn. There’s a lot of power in being prepared ahead of time to weather a crisis. Even for our day-to-day ups and downs, the ideas that you write about will allow us to easily, and naturally, be more flexible, and at the same time sturdy. Thank you for being part of our system of support!
Linda
LindaMenesez You made me smile when you said “thank you for being part of our system of support.” I can retire now! Thanks, Linda.
Appreciatively,
Lynn
DrLynnKJones I’m glad I provided you with a smile! Those are important!
Linda
These are great ways to help prepare for the unexpected valleys of life. It’s true that big things happen to all of us, but it’s almost always a big old surprise. Laughter is the best medicine, and having a support group of some kind definitely helps!
Oh Boy is laughter good for us. We have a new puppy and one of the most wonderful things about him is that we are laughing-out-loud more often. Things feel a lot lighter and more fun around my house now and that makes it so much easier to have perspective on the less-than-perfect things that come our way.
Appreciatively,
Lynn