A fine observation, but what does it mean, particularly in terms of how you can be more effective in embracing the changes all around you?

1. Learn, Unlearn, Relearn
In his 1970 book, Future Shock, Alvin Toffler told us that the traditional way of incorporating new information was to learn, learn more, and then learn more. The tasks before us, however complex, allegedly would be solved if we simply worked a little harder, studied a little longer, and applied ourselves more. Today, and I hesitate to use the word, that learning paradigm is gone. As Toffler suggests, what’s necessary today is to approach your work and life from the perspective of learning, unlearning, and relearning. If you’ve ever switched from a DOS-based PC system to a Windows system, you can readily relate to this.

When I switched from WordPerfect 7.0 to WordPerfect 12, much of what I knew about the earlier software was of little value when it came to using the new software. I had to unlearn--forget what I had known--and march into completely new territory. Fortunately, the operation was a success, and I wouldn’t go back, but it was painful, and gave me moments of great anxiety.

The next time you need to make a major software change, more fully embrace the concept of learning, unlearning, and re-learning --let go of what you used to know. You’ll be far more proficient.

2. When Every Square Inch Is Taken
A curious yet predictable phenomenon occurs as virtually every square inch of the earth is trod upon and, perhaps, inhabited. The true meaning of economics kicks into place. Economics really is nothing more than the allocation of scarce resources. Until resources are scarce (i.e, there is no more land available) you really don’t have economic societies. The moment all land is taken up, you have scarcity. The price of things gets bid up. People are more concerned about conservation and holding on to things.

So it is in your life. All around you, you see scarce resources--i.e., highway road systems, Internet linkages, and key positions within your organization. They are all highly coveted by others -- i.e., the road systems are clogged; there are delays in finding the information you want on the Internet; and only a few people can make their way to the top of any organization. Now add in the constant changes you face in terms of having to learn new software, new routines, new ways of approaching the marketplace, and new ways of serving constituents. You quickly see that living in an economic society, an era in which we’ll vigorously compete for scarce resources, adds to the pressure in your life.

The stress and anxiety people exhibit when competing for scarce resources, added to personal challenges and changes they confront, yields a scenario in which anyone is likely to feel overwhelmed.

A key to mastering change now, and one that will grow in importance in the future, is maintaining perspective--recognizing that relatively all career professionals are up against the same hurdles as you. They understand that this generation of professionals in particular is facing challenges unlike any generation before it.

Those that succeed learn to be resilient. They understand that, at last, economics is at the root of all social interactions. They learn to compete effectively, or better yet, create a niche so as to reduce the need to compete. They also learn to take things in stride.

3. Situations Change Faster Than Your Physiology
The larger the challenges and changes you face, the more important it is for you to realize that human physiology changes very slowly. In fact, as a species we’ve been in progress for tens of thousands of years. Some people have the erroneous belief that they can somehow "save time," read, walk, talk, and work faster than is comfortable for them. While this may temporarily result in your ability to master some changes currently confronting you, ultimately it’s a poor strategy for proceeding in work or in life. When you begin to change the rate of basic bodily functions, tumultuous results are predictable.

Some people sleep less, erroneously believing that that’s where they’ll pick up ground. Instead, they hamper their efforts to be effective rather than achieve any strategic, long-term competitive advantage.

A better strategy would be to walk, talk, work, and eat at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Sleep the hours you need. When the tasks you face are mounting and the change confronting you seems overwhelming, seek to assemble the additional resources you need to remain competitive and productive, yet balanced and in control.

4. Educate Thyself on the Topic of Change
How many courses on managing change did you take in high school, college, or graduate school? You may have attended a lecture, a session at a conference, or perhaps a full day management seminar. You might be the type of person who clips an article or two. It’s not likely, however, that you’ve approached the topic of change with any formality. I suggest that you take it upon yourself to read one book on change every two months. After all, there are a number of excellent books on the topic. In many respects change is a process, and many authors have outlined processes which you can understand and apply. Here’s a short list of books (including some of my own) that people have found to be helpful:

Managing at the Speed of Change, by Darryl Conner

Managing in Turbulent Times, by Dr. Peter Drucker

Technotrends, by Dan Burrus

Breathing Space, by Jeff Davidson

Becoming Digital, by Dr. Nicholas Negroponte

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Handling Stress, by Jeff Davidson

The Acorn Principle, by Jim Cathcart

Paulson on Change, by Dr. Terry Paulson

Simply reading about change on a regular basis helps many people to see it as a less anxiety-laden topic. In addition to the list above, here are some books with new perspectives about work and relationships that will increase your understanding of the changes around you:

Bringing the Best out in People, by Dr. Aubrey Daniels

The End of Work, by Jeremy Rifkin

Managing in the "C" Zone, by Dr. Robert Kriegel

The Platinum Rule, by Dr. Tony Alessandra

The Death of Competition, by James F. Moore

Maximum Success, by Brian Tracy

You’ll See It When You Believe It, by Dr Wayne Dyer

How To Have A Good Year Every Year, by Dave Yoho and Jeff Davidson

5. Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
One of the secrets of mastering change and being effective in life is understanding that few things progress at an even pace. As author Brian Tracy says, most of the success you’ll achieve in life comes via the pattern of two . . .

For the rest of this information, please email us.

Jeff helps organizations and individuals manage the relentless enslaught of information overload. www.BreathingSpace.com discusses Jeff's keynote speeches and seminars including "Managing Information and Communication Overload" and "Prospering in a World of Rapid Change." Jeff is Executive Director of the Breathing Space® Institute; a popular speaker; and the author of numerous books, including:

• The 60 Second Organizer (Adams Media)
• Breathing Space (MasterMedia)
• The Joy of Simple Living (Rodale)
• Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Your Time (Alpha/Penguin)