How to Survive Change You Didn't Ask for

Known internationally as an expert on change, M.J. Ryan works as an executive coach to senior executives and entrepreneurs around the world, helping them accelerate business success and personal fulfillment. She combines a practical approach gained as the CEO of a book publishing company with methodologies from neuroscience, positive psychology, and asset-focused learning to help clients and readers more easily meet their goals.  Her client list includes Royal Dutch Shell, Microsoft, Time, the U.S. military, and Aon Hewitt. She's a partner with the Levo League career network and the lead venture coach at SheEO, an organization offering a new funding and support model for female entrepreneurs. She's the founder of Conari Press, creator of the New York Times bestselling Random Acts of Kindness series, and author of many books, including Habit Changers: 81 Game-Changing Mantras to Mindfully Realize Your Goals. 

Contents
I. Welcome to “Permanent White Water”


II. Seven Truths About Change




Change Truth #1: Change Is the One Thing You Can Count On
Change Truth #2: It’s Not Personal
Change Truth #3: Your Thinking Is Not Always Your Friend
Change Truth #4: Change Isn’t the Enemy, Fear Is
Change Truth #5: There’s a Predictable Emotional Cycle to Change
Change Truth #6: You’re More Resilient Than You May Think
Change Truth #7: Your Future Is Built on a Bedrock That Is Unchanging





III. The Actions of a Change Master




Step 1: Accept the Change


Gather the Facts Like a Newspaper Reporter
What Other Information Do You Need?
The Truth Will Set You Free (Or at Least into Motion)
If You Can See It, It’s Yours to Deal With
How Could This Be Good Luck?
“Worry Well”
What Core Issue Does This Trigger?
Relate to Your Fear
Send Out an SOS
Recognize If You’re Milling
It’s Good to Bitch and Moan but Not Forever
Get the 3Cs in Place
Choose Carefully Where You Put Your Attention
Avoid Shame by Remembering That Difficulties Can Happen to Anyone
Don’t Waste Precious Time or Energy on Blame
Regret Well
Experience the Comfort of Forgiveness
Do the Three Blessings
Cultivate Your Witness Self
Stay Open to Miracles
Find the Gift in the Change


Step 2: Expand Your Options


What Helps You Expand Your Thinking?
How Does Your Self-Concept Need to Change?
Seek Information Outside Your Box
Hedge Your Bets
Kill Your Little Darlings
Tap Into Your Inner Resources
What Other Resources Are Available?
Be Like the Native Americans
Create the Necessary Reserves
Don’t Go into the Wilderness Without Your Compass
What Are Your Inner Talents?
Reexamine Your Priorities
Envision Your Next Chapter
Who Do You Need by Your Side?
Watch the Road, Not the Potholes



Step 3: Take Action


Create a Story of Possibility
Make Deposits into Your Hope Account
Hope Is Not a Plan
Get the Balls in the Air
Think Through the Implications
Just Do One Thing
Ready, Fire, Aim
Evaluate Progress
If You’re Not Stretching, You’re Probably Missing Something
Do What’s Needed
Build Your Brand
Get More Connected
Create a Change Masters Circle
Use an Inspiring Mantra to Keep Up Your Spirits
Focus on the Upside of Scaling Back
Allow Your Circumstances to Open Your Heart



Step 4: Strengthen Adaptability


Become a Lifelong Learner
Reflect on Your Learnings







IV. Twenty Quick Tips for Surviving Change You Didn’t Ask For


V. Resources for More Support


For Personal Support from Me

About the Author