Masterclass: How to Cope with workplace Change (Without Losing Your mind)
You’re settled into your role. You’ve spent years building a reputation, mastering the various software/systems, and finding a comfort zone with your team that feels great. Then, the email hits. A merger. A reorganization. Or the most common trigger: You just got a new manager.
It seems that in an instant, all that was once stable is now completely gone.
Most professionals handle this by bracing for impact and waiting for the worst-case scenario to play out. Usually in these circumstances, we tell ourselves (and others) about why the new person in charge or the new vision won't work. But as I discuss in Chapter 2 of my book, The Excuse Index, these are just defense mechanisms that your brain uses to keep you “safe”.
In my latest masterclass, I’m showing you how to flip the script on your own biology and turn those moments of perceived chaos into major opportunity.
»» Start your Future-Self Framework today. ««
The Framework: Engineering Your Path
In the video, I walk through a live demo of how to use the Future-Self Framework to navigate a transition. Specifically, this example looks at how a change, such as a new manager, can often seem to “interrupt” your career goals. However, I use the Future-Self Framework and some mental techniques to help reframe and train your brain and avoid unnecessary stress.
While the Framework is by default focused on a 1-2 year plan, it can still be used to work through everyday challenges like this and compress them down into shorter 30-90 day plans.
The Four Phases of the Session:
Phase 1: The Target Identity. We maintain focus on the long-term vision, despite the new change (new manager, reorg, different company direction, etc).
Phase 2: The Reverse-Timeline. We establish the "Finished Build" at the one-year mark and work backward to define the 6-month, 3-month, and 1-month milestones. This helps block out the “noise” that changes can often bring, distracting you from your goals.
Phase 3: The Excuse Breakers. We create non-negotiables and if-then shields to keep you on track throughout the change journey. It is critical to build routine habits like this so you don’t regress into your “former self”.
Phase 4: The Weekly Audit. A five-minute ritual to ensure your weekly output remains aligned with your long-term goals.
Build Your Roadmap
A plan only has value if it results in execution. I have provided an interactive version of this tool so you can stop over-analyzing the “feasibility” of your dream job and start building your own path to success.
The Full Playbook
The Framework provides the plan, but The Excuse Index provides the discipline to reach them. If you find that your progress is consistently stalled by internal doubts and fears, it is time to dismantle the habits holding you back.
Today is the day you stop looking for reasons why you can't and start looking at the one small choice you can make. You have the power to flip the switch and rewrite the story you’ve been telling yourself. If you’re ready to stop letting excuses write your future, I invite you to pick up a copy of The Excuse Index: The Stories We Tell Ourselves to Stay the Same. It is a full roadmap for anyone who is tired of being their own biggest obstacle.
