No matter how much we prepare in
advance, chances are very good that
plans will have to change along the
way. Some people are adept at going
with the flow when this happens, but
for others, a sudden schedule change
can be debilitating.
There’s no magic solution that
makes plans bullet- proof or
changes easier to handle, but there
are some things you can do to help
your brain cope with the stress of
change.
And most of the following tips
can be implemented at the
moment plans fall through, or even
afterward, so it’s not all about
planning ahead for changing plans!
Have a Plan B. And maybe even
C. Unexpected changes are most
difficult to handle when we don’t
have a backup. Think ahead of time
about how you might pivot if you needed to, and you’re more likely to
be able to make the shift gracefully.
Focus on what you can control. It’s
upsetting when changes are beyond
your control, and it’s also important to
remember that worrying about those
things won’t help. Instead, look at the
elements of a plan that are in your
control and do what you can with those.
Look for learning opportunities. This
may come after the fact, but if you
can reframe the experience as a
chance to learn something it may be
easier to let go of anxiety.
Treat yourself kindly. There is no
point in berating yourself about your
reaction when plans fall through,
or piling shame on top of whatever
unhappiness you were already feeling.
Give yourself the chance to feel and
acknowledge your feelings without
judgement and you’re more apt to be
able to move on.
How To Cope When Plans Fall Through
