Change! Control the Uncontrollable | Niamh Gaffney | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Change is an inevitable part of life, and instead of trying to return to "normal," we must embrace change and take control of the actions we can take to adapt and evolve.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] [APPLAUSE] NIAMH GAFFNEY: I'm a bit freaked out because there's so many people here. And I have a bit of a confession to make-- I kind of got you all here under false pretenses, because as much as I would love to, I can't teach you how to control change. No one can. No, you can go if you want to. That's OK. But no one can. And befor... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥳 Change is a natural part of life and impacts us from birth until death.
• 💱 Normality is not the absence of change; it is the acceptance and integration of change into our lives.
• 💱 We have the power to choose what is important to us, change our perspective, and take control of the actions we can take in response to change.
• 💭 It is crucial to be kind to ourselves during times of change and to challenge negative thoughts and reactions.
• 💱 Small actions, such as mindfulness exercises or changing routines, can help navigate change and regain a sense of control.
• 👻 Supporting others through change involves being present, showing kindness, and allowing them to have their own experience.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can anyone truly control change?

No, we cannot control the occurrence of change, but we can control how we react to it and the actions we take in response.

Q: How can we deal with the feeling of being out of control during a challenging change?

It is important to recognize that it is normal to feel out of control during change. By changing our perspective, taking small actions, and focusing on what is important to us, we can regain a sense of control.

Q: Is it normal to want to return to "normal" after a major change?

Yes, it is a common desire to want to return to normalcy after a significant change. However, true normality includes change, and it is healthier to embrace and adapt to the new normal rather than trying to go back to the way things were.

Q: How can we support someone going through a difficult change?

Being there for the person, showing kindness, and actively listening can provide support. However, it is essential to respect their own experience and allow them to go through their own reactions and emotions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Change is a constant in our lives, from the moment we are born until the day we die.

• Normality is not the absence of change, but rather the acceptance and integration of change into our lives.

• We must choose what is important to us, change our perspective, and take control of the actions we can take to navigate change effectively.