3 ways to welcome change into your life

As we all know too well, change is inevitable. Having a softer approach to life and business has allowed me to manage uncertainty and daily changes. The techniques below have really helped me, and I hope they help you too.

1. Be patient
   As a writer, I had to learn to manage my expectations when it came to pace and speed within the publishing industry. I learnt early on that not everything was going to happen overnight.
   
   This led me to discover the power of being patient. Whilst I was waiting for my projects to come to fruition, I learnt to reframe change. When work didn’t go according to plan, I started to see it as an opportunity for growth.
   
   However, recognising that change is an opportunity for growth didn’t happen instantly. You have to be patient. It might take a period of reflection and distance before you can learn the lesson it provides.
   
   So much of success in business is down to being patient and having self-belief.
   
   I always knew I wanted to be a writer, and that’s why I never gave up on my novel and my scripts. Even when developing them took a lot longer than planned.
   
   Allow things to take the time they take, and have the self-belief to know that even if you can’t see the results straight away—you are on the right path.
   
2. Make slow and deliberate decisions
   Being slow and deliberate with your actions will help you to navigate change.
   
   These days, I make sure I do the initial stages of a project at my own pace. I may sit with an idea for a year to allow it to develop, rather than rushing something out in weeks or months.
   
   We live in a fast-paced world, and we’re all used to instant gratification. Moving slowly within your business or industry can feel radical. But, I love it. It allows me to create work from a place of authenticity, and it also encourages me to look after myself. 
   
   Allowing yourself space to dream and distil means your intentions and projects will be stronger for it. I’m also huge believer in measured risk. If you can avoid it, there’s no need to speed up just to be reactive to others and industry standards. Allow yourself time. Don’t rush.
   
3. Make time for rest
   It’s so important to rest. Not only are you taking care of yourself, but it will positively impact your productivity. We all need to take time to recharge.
   
   For me, it’s spending time with my partner. I also love to relax watching boxsets and cooking gorgeous meals for my friends. It’s so important to prioritise yourself sometimes. And when I can, I turn off my phone and step outside into nature.
   
   Walking along the coast has been transformative for me in the last year. I also love taking the time to just sit on the beach and look out at the sea. Being in nature has been one of the biggest turnarounds for my mental health in the past few years. I would recommend getting outside by yourself, no audio or other distractions, whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed with work. It’s amazing what such a small change can do.
   
   

Live softly

These three things have kept me centred as I welcome change into my life. I’m also living a much softer life than I have done before. Down time is crucial as you’re moving towards your goal. Being patient and moving at a measured pace will ensure you don’t burn out.