(Word count = 887 words plus 32 words for About the Author)

Bob Dylan in his popular song "The Times They are A-Changin'" cautions in the opening verse: "if your time to you is worth savin' then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone, for the times they are a-changin.""   Our world is changing very rapidly and the rate is increasing exponentially.   The ability to powerfully cope with change can be the difference in struggling to get by or being quite successful.   Do you notice that some people seem to face change with lots of resistance and others seem like they are dancing down the street singing in a happy voice Cheryl Crow's "A Change Will Do You Good" and eagerly embracing change.   I've been finding that the ability to cope with change can be enhanced by the ability to spot major trends occurring around us, and preparing oneself before the actual changes hit.   Being anticipatory rather than responsive.   

Walk into a bookstore and you will find hundreds of titles that deal with how to handle change and how to identify trends to better prepare yourself.   However, one simple technique can very quickly test your own skills and attitude toward change and trends.    Reading the daily newspaper.   Take the New York Times for example that has in-depth reporting in its many sections devoted to the several aspects of life, including national, local, sports, business and money, arts and leisure, technology and science, health, sports and several more. I'm not suggesting that you dive in and spend many hours reading the whole paper.   Instead, glance the headlines and the bold subheadings.   See what developments are harbingers of more major trends that may influence your life, in general and in particular.   Put your own spin on how the trends will play out.   Develop a stance, a position, even if it is that you need more information and will be on the lookout more.   Think of how the possible changes from the trends could impact you personally.   Your job or family, your home, your family.  

With these views on trends, you can more easily process the information and messages that bombard you throughout the day, from other people, at work, on the television or radio, from the internet, etc.   Of course, be open to adjust your preliminary views as the trends unfold and as more information is obtained.   The net result I believe is that you will find yourself better able to accept changes when they occur and you will not be so caught by surprise and off-guard but rather you will have naturally already incorporated into your life certain measures to cope, and also to perhaps flourish.

Here are several examples of trends that come to mind from two recent New York Times papers.   As you read them, consider the potential impact, coming soon and later on in your own life, of the underlying trends. (1) A leading economist discusses why business and social aims need to be in sync, including the ethics of globalization.   - Trend - As the world shrinks, each country is more directly affected, sometimes positively and sometimes negatively, with cultures often clashing before melding.   (2) Emma Faust Tillman, reportedly the oldest person in the world, died at age 114.   She was one of 23 children, and at least five of her siblings lived past age 100. - Trend - People are living much longer. (3) Much press was devoted to the Preakness Stake winner, Barbaro, who was put down after a struggle since shattering his hind leg. - Trend - The nation still has a lot of heart and is perhaps expressing it even more.   (4) A website that is upsetting restaurant reservations traditions is called www.primetimetales.com, which helps people to use other people's "pull" to get their reservations. - Trend - The internet opens up new ways to do even the simplest procedures in our everyday lives. (5) Many killed in sectarian violence in Iraq. Trend - Old hatreds erupt when proper solutions are not introduced, and can affect people far beyond those directly involved. (6) Increase in diabetes among adults in New York City to one in eight. - Trend - An increasing health problem deserves more diagnostic tests earlier.    (7) Of the forty contenders in the Intel Science Talent Search, an equal number were men and women.   - Trend - The involvement of women in science and technology continues to grow.   (8) Netflix considered offering a one million dollar prize for consumers to create a better service than its Cinematch.   Trend - Even innovative companies recognize and seek creative input from its customers. (9) A former United States Navy shipyard in North Charleston, NC has been renovated into space for artists.   Trend - There is a growing interest in the arts and creativity. (10) A new sticom, starring Sarah Silverman, the comedian who focuses on the humor in political correctness, has received favorable reviews. - Trend - The enhanced expression of matters involving diversity, perhaps can lead to better relations. (11) Westchester home prices declined in 2006 for the first time since 1994. Trend - The home price cycle may be turning.

In the next column will be a discussion of how to reflect on the effects of the trends on your life, now and in the future, and what measures you may consider to better prepare yourself for the changes.

About the author.

Frank Sisco is a CPA and Personal Financial Specialist, and author of many articles about personal finance and issues of life and money.   His firm, Financial Management Corporation, is located in New Rochelle, NY.  Frank makes his home with his wife and daughter in New Rochelle, NY.  He can be reached at 914.740.4422 or by email at ideasmoney@aol.com.  Visit his website at www.LifeAndMoney.com, which contains this and prior articles.