Personally, I love change. In fact, I tend to get bored easily and seek it. It may sound odd; maybe even a bit crazy. I’ve just found that I’m a believer that variety is the spice of life.
I understand that for many, change is challenging. People get set in their ways and find comfort in knowing just what to expect in certain circumstances. For some, that works…until it doesn’t.
Often, change is inevitable. It’s happening all around us—whether we want it to or not. You get older. Relationships work, or they don’t. Kids grow up. As much as you may want to, you can’t freeze time or guarantee things will remain unchanged.
There are two types of change: the kind that is forced upon you and the kind you choose for yourself.
When change is forced upon you, it can rock you to the core. For example, a role is eliminated therefore you lose your job. You didn’t choose to leave. Your employer chose for you. While this may suck in the moment, it can be a great opportunity if you let it.
There are also moments when change is essential in order to make a positive difference in your life. You make a choice to change the way you do something or take a risk to achieve your goals. On the flip side from the previous example, you really dislike your supervisor and feel micromanaged to the point of feeling suffocated. You can stay and deal, or you can leave and find a better fit. The latter will provide you with a better environment that supports growth and positivity, but you have to get through the discomfort and change to get there.
In either situation, it’s understandable that change can be extremely hard. It’s uncomfortable. Change makes you vulnerable. It oftentimes elicits some of your deepest fears: the unknown, failure and dozens of others.
However, accepting, and even embracing, change empowers you to be the best version of yourself. It fosters growth and learning, and it opens up new and, oftentimes, better opportunities.
To embrace change:
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Let Go of the Fear
The resistance to change is often based on the fear of the unknown. If you knew something positive was waiting on the other side, would you embrace change with open arms? It’s easy to get caught up in the “what ifs.” Our brains are wired to protect us so, of course, our first thought is, “What if what’s on the other side of change is bad?” Ask yourself two questions:
- “Am I likely to die due to this change?”
- “Am I likely going to jail due to this change?”
If not, remind your brain that there is nothing to fear from this change and that you will be perfectly fine. You’ve got this!
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Release the Reigns
Feeling out of control is scary, but it’s impossible to control everything. Refrain from allowing your need for control to prevent you from taking the risk to make a change that can change your life for the better. Instead, acknowledge the need for change and accept any new opportunities that may come from that change. Loosening the reigns and embracing change allows you to adapt in all kinds of situations. Ultimately, you have the control to decide when change is your best choice. After that, stay open. Possibilities are endless.
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Welcome New Wisdom
With change comes wisdom. Along the journey to becoming your best self, change provides opportunities to learn when it’s best to push yourself and when you’re better off to take a step back, and how to find a balance between the two. Change teaches you how to adapt when things don’t turn out as you expected. It allows you to exercise your resilience muscle. As with any muscle, the more you work it, the stronger it gets. Besides, change is part of your journey. Embrace it!
Remember, the goal is to create the success and happiness you deserve. Often, change is an essential component of that.
If even the thought of change sends you running for the hills, let’s talk. Email me at lauren@coachwithlauren.com. Positive change reaps powerful results.