How to focus on the present and be flexible with change

By Sandi Givens

"The only constant is change." "Be prepared." "You never know what tomorrow will bring." We definitely live in uncertain times - especially so since the events of 11 September 2001.

With continuing shifts in our economy, downsizing and outsourcing in business, and shifting goal posts, I am increasingly asked by my clients to equip their staff to deal with change.

Managing ourselves (and our businesses) requires high levels of flexibility and tenacity. In developing these skills and attitudes, there is, of course, no 'quick fix'. However, there are things we can do that will move us in the desired direction.

Your personal development plan:

• Develop skills to deal with change by immersing yourself in it regularly.
• Commit to doing something new each month - trying a new hobby or sport, or visiting a new place. With time, you will become comfortable with being uncomfortable!
• Initiate conversations with strangers in lifts, shops and while waiting for public transport.
• Take a different route to work once a week.
• Volunteer to work on a project you know nothing about.
• Change at least one of your routines once a week. Buy your morning coffee from a different shop, brush your teeth before breakfast, have a bath instead of a shower - anything that requires a shift in your mindset and behaviour is worthwhile!

Learn to focus on the present

• Meditate. Focus on the quality (not the quantity) of your meditation practices. If closing your eyes sends your brain wild with to-do list items, look at a candle's flame or beautiful photograph or painting. Concentrate on slow, deep and rhythmic breathing.
• Do Tai Chi or yoga. If sitting still drives you crazy, you may find concentrating on easy, fluid movements and patterns soothing.
• Creative dance is whatever you make it! Recordings of relaxation music and nature sounds can be the backdrop to graceful stretches and gentle motion.
• Do something that you know from experience requires your full attention. For me, counted cross-stitch (a form of needlework) works well. It totally absorbs me and is a complete change from my normal brain/body work. The key is to notice the elements of this activity that make it so absorbing for you. What is the environment and the nature of the activity itself? Are there aspects of this that can be duplicated in other activ-ities? What are your thought processes and internal dialogue at this time?
• Hang out with kids - especially young ones. Children have the delightful ability to fully and truly be in the moment. There's no ruminating over the past or worry about the future. Get in there and join them - it's a wonderful space to experience.

I saw this quote somewhere and it often springs to mind: "Yesterday is history - we cannot change it. Tomorrow is a mystery we cannot know for certain. Today is the only time we have - it is a gift. I guess that's why it's called the present."

Sandi Givens is a Learning Facilitator and Director of Knowledge-Able Pty Ltd. A practitioner of NLP and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator , she is also qualified as a Workplace Trainer and Assessor. If you'd like to know more about her work, or receive her free e-zine on Training and Presentation Tips, email Sandi at knowledge_able@bigpond.com. You can contact Sandi by phone or fax on (03) 9844 4612 or mobile on 0417 575 493, or visit her new website at www.sandigivens.com.au