‘If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.’ – Gail Sheehy
I really like this quote because I find it to be a a good prompt to why we need to embrace change – whether we are instigating the change or not.
While discussing the topic with my manager, he stated, ‘If you have any ambition, you need to accept change. Not just accept it, but embrace it, make the most out of it. Change can even help improve your current situation.’
He went on to describe that, ‘In business, if you do not grow or adapt to a rapidly changing market then your business will die.’ Don’t you agree?
I decided to look into reasons that may cause an individual to reject change as a means to help foster a more positive mindset and help others embrace change. I found an article by Sue McKee on 3 Reasons People Hate Change:
Comfort
I can relate to getting comfortable, settling into a routine, feeling secure and cosy with the way life is going. And then BAM! Change has hit, and that way of life you were once used to is now out of sorts. ‘Why now?’ you may ask yourself, but change is inevitable.
You may also be comfortable in a routine or situation that may not be healthy or enjoyable, but to avoid being uncomfortable you don’t do anything about it.
Myth Buster: Any big target or goal worth achieving will put you outside of your comfort zone. Your comfort is not a measure or whether or not you’re on track towards your goal!
Fear
Entering into change without knowing the exact path it will take you on is a scary feeling! We often convince ourselves that moments of uncertainty or unpredictability will have a negative outcome.
Myth Buster: Change is constant so it is easier to work with it, rather than fight it!
As an organiser, especially for group activities, I can relate to this. I like having an element of control over the task, setting schedules, preparing items and having an idea of the outcome. However, over the years I have learnt to accept the fact that there are going to be elements that change my plans at the last minute, that are out of my control and I just need to embrace those situations when they arise.
There hasn’t been one moment of change that didn’t teach me something new about myself.
Motivation
Without the right mindset it is hard to compel yourself to accept change or take active measures to progress with the new changes taking place. New changes can include a new role, new responsibilities, challenges etc. and often if you are not putting in 100% effort, the outcome of change can often be less favorable.
You can receive advice from management and mentors on how to address new changes, but it is up to you to ignite your passions, look upon change in a more positive light, and create the best outcomes for your career and lifestyle.
Myth Buster: If you don’t like the way things are, it is your job to change it! Craft a new vision for yourself to pull you forward to a brighter future!
If you feel that you are at this stage of your life where a change needs to take place, try asking yourself one of the following questions:
• What is not working in my life right now that I need to change? or
• What change is occurring that I am resisting?
By embracing the fact that change is constant, you can open yourself up to new opportunities that come your way.
What are your previous experiences with change? What decisions did you make when the change occurred and where did it lead you?
