This is a time of unpredictable, unprecedented and ever rapid change. The rate of change that is befalling us however presents a new, and unique set of opportunities and challenges. For some a change will bring a new level of success, while for others, the same change can be a seedbed of negativity. If you're the former - be sure not to let your ego get over inflated, lest another change be the pin that pops it. If you're the latter, keep your spirits up and your humor high. I Personally, I have yet to meet a change that did not, in the long run, work out for the better for my family, my career and my future.

However, that is because I learned to handle change, and have become confident in my skills, talents and abilities. So let's look at how we can tame the beast called change.

**Don't Fight It.
Give up the natural tendency to protect the familiar. Remember just because its working does not mean it doesn't need to be fixed. The world will change with or without you. You will find yourself adapting over and over again in today's fast paced world. If you look back 5, 10, 15 years are you the same person today you were then? Of course not because you learned, you grew, you adapted, absorbed what was superior and effective, discarded the unnecessary and changed to what you are today. Don't fight change - you will quite probably over complicate your life in the battle. You will stress yourself out and even risk making yourself ill. It's not worth that much to stay the same is it?

**Acceptance Doesn't Mean You Have To Like The change.
You will note I haven't said you have to like the change. I am going to tell you though that you have to understand the change and go forth. If you have questions about the change, ask them. Get the big picture, study, probe, read - get yourself a good knowledge base around the change. We usually fear the unknown. As you study the change it will be less of an unknown and you'll feel more in control. Life is not about liking - it is about doing. Taking what you have right now and building upon it.

**Be Change Wise and Defense Ready.
Balance comes into play here. Don't change for the sake of change, for if you do you risk valuable assets, situations and relationships. Don't live your life a piece of clay to be molded by those around you. There are some things that should resist change - when change plainly does not translate into better results. Live your life a piece of jade, firm but shapeable in the right hands. Know what values your willing to defend against change and what values your willing to change.

**Don't Take Life Too Seriously - Use Humor.
Take the emotional vacation that a good sense of humor will afford you. A positively honed sense of humor will overcome pretense, put out the fire of anger and quell hostility. Using your sense of humor will keep your attitude positive, giving you the ability to take a seemingly impossible situation and make it acceptable. Once you have made it acceptable you can then seek to find the hidden nuggets that will benefit you and those around you. Use your humor positively, be spontaneous, express your feelings and encourage those around you.

Change mastery can make the difference between being inside looking out or outside looking in. Which do you prefer? Change mastery will make all the difference in the world. Is it easy? Well, to some, yes. Others have to take it step by step. But, by not fighting it, accepting/learning about the change and using your humor to keep your spirits up during those trying times - you will be able to take it head on. You will be enabling yourself to help those around you going through their own changes as well. By doing so you will indeed be making a significant difference.

Think Successfully & Take Action.
Tracy