Are you ready for change?

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Carol Johnson
  • 60th AMW interim command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Everyday something in our lives changes whether we want it to or not. An important question to ask yourself is how well did you handle it. 

It isn’t a secret we are about to embark on a major change in our Air Force. Our leaders are still working hard to ensure whatever changes are made will be in the best interest of the Air Force, to include our people. 

Many view this transformation as stressful and unsettling, while others view this as a new opportunity for growth both personally and professionally. 

It’s human nature to believe no change is better. It’s more comfortable to stay with status quo than to embrace change. 

Nothing new to learn or work through means no new processes to build thus equaling less stress! 

However, those of us who have been around a while know this is not how we conduct business. We must change to sustain the level of success we’re accustomed to. Therefore, there will always be some level of stress in our work centers. 

And because stress levels are up, there is growing concern about the rising number in suicidal gestures, DUIs and domestic violence incidents. We must look for ways to better manage the stress of ops tempo and home life. Have you looked for ways to manage these stresses? If you have good coping skills, have you shared them with a co-worker/friend? 

Articles I’ve read indicate people feel less stressed when they feel in control. One way to feel in control is to seek out the familiar. That might be as simple as spending quality time with your family or just working out like you used to. 

Set realistic goals and time frames for yourself, schedule your time on what you can handle in a day, and learn to say “no” when appropriate. Don’t overload or over commit or the stress will build. Reevaluate the need for meetings you might hold. Is it really necessary or can it be satisfied through another forum? A meeting should take place when there is a need to interact not just to pass on information. 

Many of us don’t recognize we’re in more control of our lives than we like to acknowledge. For those things you aren’t in control of, don’t spend time trying to change these. This will only cause you to stress. Change what you can and the familiarity of control will give you balance. 

Preparing ourselves for change today may help determine just how successful our transition will be tomorrow.