How to Survive the Change You Didn't Ask For

Boy, you couldn't ask for a more timely book than M.J. Ryan's AdaptAbility: How to Survive Change You Didn't Ask For.  Who isn't facing changes these days? 

There's more than enough change happening in my world: husband unexpectedly laid off, two kids starting college in the fall, I'm launching a 2nd business, and working on new strategies for Time of Your Life Tours.

I am pretty good at change, in fact, I thrive on it, and fit  Ms Ryan's definition of a "Change Master"--one who knows the steps for dealing with change and can go through them quickly. But you know what? I found loads of useful information in AdaptAbility. I bet you will too.

After some introductory remarks about the permanence of change, you'll find the potent section, "Seven Truths About Change."  Understanding these truths like "It's Not Personal" and "Change Isn't the Enemy, Fear Is" sets the stage for taking action. It's worth reading the Seven Truths carefully, doing the exercises, and taking time to reflect before moving on.

The remaining chapters, and the bulk of the book, focus on concrete practical steps you can take to adapt to and thrive on change. Specifically, you will learn to accept the change, expand your options, take action, and strengthen your adaptability.

The book is peppered with anecdotes and individual true stories that keep it lively and interesting. You'll also find inspiring quotes (and not the same old ones, either), charts and questionnaires, and plenty of food for thought, err, make that, action.

Seriously, if you are going to buy one self-help book this year, I highly recommend AdaptAbility. It's a handbook for life in the 21st century. Click on one of the links to get it on sale at Amazon today.

Next: an Interview with author M.J. Ryan. Don't miss it!