The Opportunites of Change

Dealing with uncertainty and change is an on-going topic of media and academic attention in these challenging times. What is mostly ignored in all this coverage is that, ultimately, change is the catalyst for innovation. Opportunities are everywhere, we just need to abandon our fear of uncertainty and reach out and grasp them. The scale of the impact of this economic downturn is historic. The good news is that the upturn is likely to be historic too. There is a pattern: disruption is the predecessor for change and change is the catalyst for innovation. Much of the Fortune 500 was born out of significant historic social and economic events. So where will the innovation that emerges from the current economic situation take us? And more importantly, where will you be when it’s all happening? Personally, I love stories about people who continually look for the possibilities around them. I’m amazed when I talk to successful leaders about the chain of events that led to their achievements. Few talk about how their academic pedigree or Personal Development Plans accelerated their success. Instead, they tell stories of opportunities taken in the face of adversity. It’s easy to attribute their success to good luck, but what these leaders share is a deep sense of knowing that allows them to see their current context, however challenging, in a different way than others. Moving in the right direction, even in tough times, is instinctive to them and they seem to attract whatever they need to create success. We admire their drive, confidence and results. Bottom line, they truly seem to know themselves. So where’s your drive right now? Do you know the right direction to take? Are you seeking opportunities to innovate? Or are you resisting the catalyst of change and delaying action until better times. Do you need to stop looking to the news or financial papers for clues to the economic upturn and shift your attention to the critical leading indicator of success: you! Getting into action to make things happen versus worrying over what might happen is what truly leads to success and fulfillment at an individual, organisational and global level. What do you need to be proactive and meet the challenges of uncertainty and change and be open to the opportunities they present? rnIt’s time to learn about your Instinctive Drives® (what truly drives and motivates you at a deeper level) and ask some critical questions: -What value am I adding and, given my natural talents, where could I add more? -Do others know the value I add in tough times and in good times: what do I consistently want my personal brand to be? -What opportunities can I see to collaborate and innovate with others? - What’s getting in the way of me showing up at my best and how can I proactively manage whatever that is? - How am I showing up at my best for others: my team, my clients and my family? Am I bringing out the best in them too? - What does personal success and fulfillment look like for me? What, at the end of the day, do I want the story of my life to be? It's time to get yourself in stride and at peak performance so you can see the opportunities around you. Know what instinctively drives you. Invest in yourself. Invest in others. The upturn won’t be an abstract economic event but a collection of innovative individuals seeing possibilities, running with them and bringing others along on the journey. Be one of those individuals. The upturn is right in front of us. Be a part of making it happen! www.idcentral.com.aurnwww.linkupconsulting.com.au