Change Management

Master the Art of Transformation: A Spiritual Guide to Managing Life's Transitions with Purpose and Faith

Change Management is the ability to successfully transition people, facilities, and organizations from their current state to a desired state while minimizing disruption and maximizing adoption.

We all experience change both personally and professionally. In this ever-changing world, we face shifts in seasons, marital status, careers, finances, health, locations, our physical bodies, family, relationships, lifestyle, and even meal choices. The key is knowing how to handle and manage these changes effectively when they occur.

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond. Your response determines your outcome, so all change starts with you. You cannot successfully manage change if you are not willing to change yourself. Every change begins with a decision. Your choice to accept or reject it determines your actions, which will then lead you down the right or wrong path toward the desired outcome.

Here are some examples of changes I have experienced and the outcomes:

Change:

2 Divorces

Loss of loved ones

Career

Increase / Decrease in finances

Diagnosed twice with breast cancer

Appearance

Facility moves

Outcome:

Currently married 26 years

Healing / Creating a legacy

New skills New opportunities / Purpose

Money management (saving/investing)

Breast cancer survivor (cancer-free)

Weight management / New hairstyles

Successful transitions (clients & teams)

You may be asking yourself, “How do I manage change successfully? What steps do I need to take?” The first thing to understand is that no one is perfect. It will take time and effort to learn the right steps and processes based on the specific change you are facing. Everything in life is a process. Healing is a process. Searching for a job is a process. Getting up and going to work is a daily routine or process. Change management is no different—it is a process.

I have learned to be successful at change management by focusing on three key principles:

Trusting God
Honoring my commitments
Maintaining discipline

Below are processes (not listed in order of importance) to help you achieve success in change management:

Be an Inspiration of Change

Lead by example. You cannot change others, but you can be an inspiration. Once others see the change in you, it may inspire them to change.
Be a thermostat, not a thermometer. A thermometer reflects the temperature or climate of the room, while a thermostat sets the atmosphere and environment.

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know that person is me."

Change Your Mindset

Transformation is an inward change that leads to a transition—an outward change that leads to purpose and destiny.
When you change your mindset, your actions change, your associations change, and your lifestyle changes, ultimately altering your trajectory.

"Destiny is not something you decide. It is something you discover. You discover what God has already decided."

Connect with People Who Are Successful Change Agents

The people you associate with can impact your future. Connect with people who have achieved what you seek, not those who share your problems. They have been there, done that, and emerged successfully. They can offer support and guidance.

"People are like elevators. They can take you down, take you up, or get you stuck. Choose the direction in which you want to go."

Grow Through Changes

Don’t just go through the situation—grow through it. View it as a learning experience. Learn what to keep and what to discard. Assess what’s working versus what’s not. Identify process improvements. Ask yourself: how can this go from good to better, and from better to best?

"Change is inevitable, but growth is optional."

Start Again

Never be afraid to start over. The sum of your experiences has shaped who you are and will lead you to new opportunities and connections.

"You’re not starting from scratch—you’re starting from experience."

Prepare for Change

The time to be ready is not when change occurs, but before it happens. Prepare by:
Having a plan B
Cross-training team members
Creating client playbooks
Establishing backup coverage
Holding daily team meetings
Scheduling one-on-one meetings
Maintaining an open-door policy
Investing in your team (team building / recognition) to increase retention
Collaborating and implementing checkpoints / testing
Maintaining a savings plan
Scheduling regular wellness appointments
Taking time off to relax and “unplug”
Scheduling family or spouse time

"And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." — Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV)

Write it! Read it! Run with it!

Seek Spiritual Guidance

Stay connected to God through prayer, reading scripture, and seeking His guidance while waiting for His direction.
Nothing surprises God. He knows what lies ahead and always has your best interests at heart.

"God will either change the situation for you or change you for the situation."

Remembering scripture and holding onto these promises keeps you focused and confident as you navigate change:

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP)
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
“…with His stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5b (KJV)
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

Let Go

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Know when to let go. Don’t try to make a seasonal person a lifetime person. God will provide the grace to stay or the release to leave. Follow His guidance.

"If someone can walk out of your life and leave you, they were not a part of your destiny. Let them go."

"You can’t walk into your destiny by holding on to your history."

Summary

Change management starts from within and is displayed outwardly to inspire and influence others. Let your life be a conduit of positive change that flows locally, nationally, and globally.