31. Beat change to the punch.

Carl Jung once said, “If there’s a fear of falling, the only safety consists in deliberately jumping.” New technologies, a new boss, a new direction for the company—change is coming at you from every direction. Don’t wait for it to take you by surprise. Beat change to the punch.

I recently saw how resistance to change devastated the careers of two men I know. When their companies merged, the two men, who were regional vice presidents, were asked to collaborate on an integration strategy. They fought on every aspect of the integration until the CEO put them in the same room and said, “What are you going to tell your families when I have to fire you both?” Sadly, neither could move forward and both were eventually fired. Had they used the project as an opportunity to show their worth to the new enterprise, both would be flourishing in high-level jobs today.

The next time change is staring you in the face, decide to make the most of the new situation, whatever it is:

• If your company has been bought, learn all you can about the acquiring company. Think creatively about new opportunities the acquisition creates. Then draft a one-page memo to share your thinking with your boss.

• If you’re working for a new boss, e-mail your congratulations and request a meeting. Ask about his or her priorities. Review what you’re working on, and offer to help in challenging areas.

• Scan trade publications and talk with peers to discover new technologies, business practices, or processes that might help you do your job better. Talk with your boss about adopting them.

Resisting change wastes time, can burn you out, and causes others to lose patience. Instead, view change as an opportunity. Before long, you won’t just respond to change. You’ll start seeking it out.