The best is always yet to come

It's good to see your interest in the change-themed posts I'm writing about! I think this issue is one of the most important in executive and managerial life where there are many examples of how to behave to facilitate the process of change by following the current, making life easier and happier, but on the other hand there are also many leaders and managers who fight fiercely against the change that is coming, believing or saying that they are doing a great job and not considering changing anything.

In some cases it is only a matter of time before the individual needs to accept the change, in other cases that time takes a long time, putting the individual's position within the company at risk.

I have to accept that in my career at Alfa Laval and before as well, I too have found myself facing these two situations but when I became more aware of myself and my reactions, this period of extension and doubt became almost non-existent without going against change. It's like when the mind wanders in a meditation, the quicker you let go of that thought, the easier you'll get back on your meditative path and the better you can relax.

I remember one day that I proposed to a manager to change his role that he had been developing many years ago to another position where I considered it was more beneficial for him. He came to my office shouting: "I will not change, I am fine where I am." Luckily I was able to connect with Claes Janssen's Four Rooms of Change model that I wrote about in my previous post which helped me not to react, and let go of the angry comment from a very good friend of mine today. The days passed and he realized that this proposal for a new position was an interesting opportunity. Today, he is a very successful leader and manager in that position and is very happy in what he does.

On the other hand, I have good examples of leaders who have been successfully working in a position and when the change knocked on their doors they received it in a positive and immediate way, with much less effort and much more happiness to perform in the new position.

It happened to me when they offered me a new position abroad, and at that time, I had built my house, I was leaving there with my partner for only a year and who is now my wife, I was succeeding in my position at that moment. Everything was perfect but change knocked on my door, that's how I changed country and position. Although it was very hard at first, I really enjoyed it after the change was made.

Even sometimes we don't see what the change is about and while you are really in a good position or having a lot of fun with what you are doing, if you get stuck you will suffer sooner or later. While if you quickly accept the change you will have even more fun, the best is always yet to come. When a change comes, do not deny it, just believe that what will come is better for you and if it is better for you, it will be better for all the people around you.

In order not to forget the process of change, I will suggest that you practice the Box Breathing technique. It is a very simple Pranayama but also very powerful so you have to concentrate on it while practicing it, you will also be able to observe a similarity of the four rooms of change.

Putting into practice the Box Breathing technique

First sit comfortably on a chair or on the floor as you like, take a deep breath in and breathe out completely (you can do this 2-3 times). It's great to slow down a bit to get into the frame of mind for what you want to do now.

Then you will divide your breath into 4 equal steps and at the same time you will count to 4:

1) Inhale mentally counting to 4.

2) Hold your breath mentally counting to 4.

2) Exhale mentally counting to 4.

3) Hold in the apnea again counting to 4.

Imagine a box of 4 equal sides and if your mind wanders or asks distracting questions, start all over again. Do this box breathing for 5 to 10 minutes and you will see the effect of the changes in each phase of the breath.

Among the benefits you can find practicing this box breathing exercise are:

• It can help you cope with panic and stress when you feel overwhelmed.

• Helps you sleep when you have insomnia.

• Helps control hyperventilation as it can instruct your lungs to breathe rhythmically.

• Helps to refocus when you have a busy or stressful day.

• Relieves panic and worry.

Precisely these benefits will help you navigate the denial room in a simpler and happier way.

Please note that Pranayama should not be practiced during illness, except for breath awareness practices. The best time to practice is at sunrise on an empty stomach or before sunset and three to three and a half hours after a meal. Calming Pranayama can be practiced before going to bed. In this case it's easy, don't force your breathing, make it as normal as possible.

Do not hesitate to comment on what you read, your comments are very valuable to me and to others who can learn from your inspiration.

I wish you a fantastic week full of happiness and health.