Does change scare you?
Do you avoid change… almost at all cost?
Well, there is some good news and some bad news.
First – the bad news…. Change in inevitable. Sorry, but it IS going to happen.
Now the good news…. Change can be a fantastic initiator to growth. That may sound cliché, but it is true. And in fact, you want change to happen. You really do!
Things are always in movement. That is a natural law – the law of rhythm. Everything is in motion, ebbing and flowing. Change resides in this law.
When something moves the thing that previously occupied that space moves. This is whether it is energy or matter. When there is an advance, there is a retreat. As the sun comes up, the moon is going down. As the tides rise, they are receding elsewhere.
There is great opportunity in this movement. The question becomes your perception and reaction to the movement.
Fear is rooted in the unknown. Change thrusts us into the unknown. Ultimately you have a choice – learn to embrace change (perception shift), or continue to fear the unknown element of change.
Here are some tips for developing a positive outlook on change:
- Expect it. Since everything is in motion, nothing stays the same. When things are staying the same that causes stagnation. Progress stops. Opportunities evaporate. And in truth, it is not that things are actually staying the same – it is that we are trying to control it to stay the same.
- Look for where you can improve and continue learning. If you usual walking path is blocked by a construction project, don’t not go. Look for an alternative route. You will see and experience new things. Be alive to the new scenery. The same goes for more substantial changes, such as a change in a job. Look for where you can improve. Where can you learn something? You liked your previous position, but wished you could do more [fill in the blank]. Now you can look for opportunities offering more of that.
- When things are in a lot of flux, this is a great time to look at where priorities lie. Are there things that need to be promoted and others that should be demoted? Will you now have more room to take your child to a park to play and the high number of hours you spend at work do not seem like the appropriate first priority?
- Journal. Write down your fears. Then you can develop a plan to not let them stop you in your tracks. This is very important because the world will not wait on your paralysis from fear.
Look at change as a new door, an exciting door – door leading to new experiences, new opportunities and new chances to grow. Face that fear. Change will not stop. So you have much better chances altering your perspective and directing the energy you are spending on fear to making the most of the circumstances.
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I thrive on change (I changed continents by moving seven times in 14 years …), but know from my clients that it isn’t always that easy for others. In the area of “women and money,” I point out that change is often going to come by choice or by default … and by choice is lot less painful because it’s easier to manage and control. Your article shows people how …
Thanks Sharon. I love that: change is going to come by choice or default. That is great. And so true!!
I love change! I cannot imagine life without it. I get bored easily without change. Thanks for the tips
Status quo is so boring! Agreed!! You have a great perspective! 🙂
It’s all about Attitude: You have a choice in the way you perceive whatever is going on. You have the power to choose whether you think the glass is half full or half empty.
Exactly right Nate! I love that. Perception is in the control of the beholder.
I’ve learned to embrace change….no matter what. It is part of life and that’s what makes us grow. Beautifully written article and helpful tips. Thank you for your insight.
Thanks Alexandra! Change will happen – guaranteed. Looking at it for growth is a great way to maximize its effect.
I embrace change. I love it! Having everything stay the same all of the time can become boring and repetitive. 🙂
Agreed! Staying the same equals stagnation and I think that is pretty boring too. 🙂
Good post. Change happens, we have to learn to love it. I love the book Who Moved My Cheese and have used it to work with groups who are resisting change.
That is a fantastic book Heather! I love that book. It’s a great reference for change!
Never had an issue with change, ok, not completely so, some resistence but as soon as I get that is what it is, Im moving with the change. Good tips.
Thanks Roz! It is about acknowledging the resistance. That is great that you do that. Then moving through it can be more easily handled.
You are absolutely right. Change is going to happen whether we want it or not. How we react to it is what is important. Accepting change and finding the positive within that change is what will make it an experience we can learn and grow from. Change can be good or bad depending on how you choose to see things. Sometimes it is all about the perspective.
Agreed Meryl! Perspective is a key component to how one can handle change. It can make all the difference on whether it is a positive or negative experience.