Change management requires being patient and recognizing that whatever it is today may not be exactly what is tomorrow. And, of course, that can be a good or bad thing; depending on your whether or not you like what’s happening today. That said; let’s focus on a scenario in which you are not happy with the status quo. You must remember: The events in the present do not have to be the events of tomorrow. So, let’s say that you have a definite plan to finish your dissertation this year. Yet, you just received an email from your advisor and he or she says “You know, I don’t think you’ll be able to finish this year, let’s meet and talk about it." In this situation, it is so natural to automatically go into crisis mode. Thoughts like, "Oh my God! I had already made plans for next year….maybe he hates my work….maybe she doesn’t like me…. and I was stupid to think that I could finish the dissertation…." might start to cascade through your mind. It can feel like a runaway train inside your head. Just know this: negative thoughts will lead you down the pathway of having more and more negative thoughts Because our thinking influences our biology, the negative thoughts cause your brain to release hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. These hormones will activate your stress response and you will begin to snowball: the more stress you feel, the more stress-inducing hormones you produce, the more stressed you feel- and so on. I know it’s easy for me to say because I wrote my dissertation many years ago, but having helped hundreds of people finish their dissertations, I know that the people that are able to weather the seemingly sudden changes in their dissertation plans are the most successful, and happiest too. So if you’re in the throes of an unexpected change, it’s a good time to start practicing the mind-set that says, "Things can change quickly. And they can change for the better." When you practice thinking this way, you’d be surprised at quickly things change. *** Welcome to all our new readers! I wanted to make sure you know that I offer a dissertation newsletter (at no cost) which consists of tips sent every few days, directly to your emailbox. If you’d like to subscribe, you can do so here:
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