7 Steps to Respond to a Sudden Change: Variation on "If you're in a hurry, go slow"

Ana Edna GO Author

A few weeks ago I injured my knee. I am very clear about the movement I made that caused the injury, but at that moment I did not do what I had to do: pause. Instead, I finished what I was doing because it didn't hurt and because I didn't want to leave everything halfway.

When I finished, I went to apply ointment to reduce inflammation and put on a knee brace. I have always been athletic, so injuries have been part of my life since I was a child. I knew that this time I would have to pay special attention to the injury. So I went to sit with my leg as relaxed as possible, without offering resistance or weight. I slept well and woke up better.

Three days passed like this. On the fourth day, I went for a walk and when I returned, my knee was swollen again, and the pain had returned. Then I went back to rest for a couple of days and this time, on the third day, I started physical therapy. I moved forward quickly. Two days later I was able to walk without pain. I have stayed with the ointment, the knee brace, and the physical therapy, decreasing the support and increasing the difficulty of the exercises gradually.

I am literally learning to walk with this new knee condition. I have been fully aware of my sensations and my movements all the time. I have taken short, but firm steps. The improvement has been rapid, and I can walk with more confidence every day.

Lesson: If you're in a hurry, go slowly. Instead of going from zero movement to walking, to recover consistently I added the intermediate step of physical therapy. This resulted in a process that has taken longer but has ensured a consistent recovery.

The same applies to all aspects of your life where you need to respond to unexpected change. It could be a bad cold, an injury, a change in circumstances at work, a new family dynamic. Your first impulse will be to move quickly to resolve, but in situations like the ones I mentioned, this is not always the best option.

These are the steps that I have followed and that have worked for me. I share them with you because I know that they will work for you too.

7 Steps to respond to a sudden change:

1. Pause as soon as possible.
2. Be aware of what is happening.
3. Trace an adaptation and advancement strategy.
4. Keep focus on the objective.
5. Carry out the planned actions.
6. Measure progress.
7. Move forward consistently.

To what areas of your life could you apply these seven steps to respond to change?

If you decide to respond to change, please make sure that you harness it to grow.

Click here to read “If you’re in a hurry, go slow”

Categories: : Change for Growth, Our Brain, Start Smart -> Grow Strong