Ripples…

Change often creates a ripple effect. We spend time planning for and managing the main change without considering the effects that it will have on us and those around us.

Take my personal example. We had to change my eldest daughter's school. She's in Year 9 so it wasn't a decision that was taken lightly and it took time to consider and then put into action. But I felt like we were in control and had put as much as we could in place to take us all through what would be a very unsettling time.

So school starts. We managed(ish) the expected uncertainty, buying a new uniform, meeting new people. Not doing too badly I thought.

But what I hadn't given enough thought to was the ripple impact on all of us.

For example, the new school run means my youngest daughter now has to be up and out earlier and increased homework means a change to our after school routine. And for good measure, let's add on that we're due to move house in a few weeks' time!

So what's the moral? As you plan for and manage any kind of change, take some time to map out the consequences of that change, however small they seem. What else needs to be considered, whose needs have to be met and how does the change impact the timeframe within which you might need to level up the self-compassion as you adjust?

How do you manage the ripple effect of change? Any tips always appreciated!