“Just when I found out the meaning of life – they changed it.” George Carlin

When things change, we desperately scream about unfairness, the loss of what was, the inconvenience of what is to be, and No, this is not about Brexit even though it could be, just as it applies to any change. The fact is that people are reluctant to change, so create emotional rationales for why it shouldn’t happen, even when logic suggests that some of the things we fear are not actually facts.

For example, I just heard Andrew Marr on the BBC bleat again about how money from Europe funded Universities and now that’s at risk. Well, AM, as it was OUR money before it was THEIR money to hand it out, perhaps WE can fund the Universities ourselves? Ergo – fear IS False Evidence Appearing Real – to the uninformed.

Change, ladies and gentlemen, just IS. It is the only true constant outside maths and physics.

How we respond is usually based on a couple of factors.

1. Did WE plan it – if so, it is ‘good’.
2. Did our bosses plan it – if so, it is ‘bad’.
3. Can we deal with it? If so, good. If not – what the hell is wrong with you?!

If you have an unchangeable set of core values, I suggest that you can cope with absolutely anything that comes to pass. You can use your unifying principles, values, credo, mission statement (whatever you choose to call your life’s philosophy) to deal with change.

• New job – treat it by applying your mission statement to it.
• New relationship – treat it by applying your values to it.
• New home – create it with your values and mission in mind.
• Tragedy – focus on your values and beliefs and work through it.

In the end, who you are can be the one thing, the only thing you have that need not change. Hold on to what you believe, be willing to accept alternatives if you discover them; but hold on tightly to what you are, and what happens will be easier to endure. Always.

It’s a lot easier, more productive and ultimately a lot less tiresome and noisy than sheer panic.