The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is known for his philosophy that “the only constant is change.”

That axiom seems to be as true in 2009 AD as it was in 500 BC. But I wonder if even Heraclitus would agree that change seems to be happening faster than ever! How can we ever keep up?

I suppose we could label change as one of the bitter enemies of balance because of the way change can play havoc with our equilibrium and knock us out of our comfort zones. But what if we choose to frame change differently and welcome it as a natural opportunity for learning and growth?

What would happen if we follow these ground rules for coping with change?

1. Accept that change is a reality and here to stay.

2. Expect the transition process to not be linear or predictable.

3. Be open to new opportunities and solutions.

4. Recognize that no one has all the answers...it’s a good time to engage your team.

5. Appreciate that mistakes along the way are inevitable.

6. Pay attention to what you can learn from the experience.

7. Maintain a sense of humor!

8. Recognize that attitude and behavior influence how we deal with change ....and CHOOSE a positive approach.

In “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Viktor Frankl observed that even in the direst of circumstances of life in concentration camps “everything can be taken from a man but....the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

I’m sure the lesson applies to women too.

No matter how fast, constant or dramatic, change itself is not really the enemy. To maintain balance, the key is how we respond.

Sue Cullen, M.A., founder of Sue Cullen & Associates in Austin (www.suecullen.com) inspires and empowers individuals and teams to reach their full potential through career, leadership and team development and life/work balance coaching. She also offers Every Step Matters (TM) workshops and retreats to help women find meaning, joy and value in every step of life.