Embracing Change: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Thriving in New Beginnings
Embracing Change: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Thriving in New Beginnings
Anticipating change can feel like the moment your tongue and brain freeze at the thought of a fresh ice cream scoop. You ponder how life will be different after a move or a new job, feeling utterly unprepared for these shifts. You sit and worry about what’s next, but do nothing to prepare. To start, let’s understand how changes occur in life:
The Stages of Change
Stage One: Resistance
This stage is marked by doubt and discomfort as you actively resist and compare the new situation to the old one. You criticize rather than see the positives.
Stage Two: Adjustment
Here, you do more than you want. You gather information on living under new circumstances, build connections, and ask questions. Essentially, you engage in a flurry of activity.
Stage Three: Living the New as the Old
This stage goes unnoticed because it doesn’t seem like a stage. You arrive at a new place and see so many new parameters that you pretend the new is actually the old. Wouldn’t it be more efficient to jump straight to the third stage? Of course, but that’s not how it works. Understanding these stages helps you recognize that discomfort is a natural part of the process.
How Quickly Will You Adapt?
Everyone is different, but the more you reassure yourself that everything will turn out fine, the better. Think of it like diving into a pool. Initially, it’s cold and wet, but after 40 minutes, the refreshing feeling of weightlessness takes over, and you don’t want to get out. The water didn’t warm up; you simply adapted. So, even if changes initially cause discomfort, trust that you will soon adjust.
Don’t Expect Magic Instantly
You didn’t want to leave kindergarten, start university, or begin a new job—these were supposed to be the best times of your life. But think about it: you’re a master of change in your life! While you can’t avoid discomfort, you can prepare for it with these techniques:
Fast-Forward and Set Time Limits
What do you think will actually come of this? Counter your anxiety with facts. Consider how long it will take to adjust to the new schedule: a week? A month? Even if your estimate isn’t accurate, the ability to foresee the end of the adjustment means that an end is possible.
Include Yourself in the Equation
You might feel helpless, but you are part of the situation. Trust that you have the experience and tools to influence outcomes.
Some Things Change, Some Don’t
Sometimes, it seems like a new job, relationship, or academic plan means everything must change. Don’t reinvent the wheel—focus on what’s truly changing and enjoy what remains the same. Acknowledge that some things don’t require your attention and save your energy for adjusting to the changes.
Don’t Think—Do
You might wait for a motivational kick to feel better. But motivation follows habits. Once you start doing, you feel more confident because you remember the power you possess. Don’t sit and wait for the world to return to normal. Do small, kind acts. The best things in life often come from changes, even unwanted ones. We shouldn’t take changes for granted by diving headfirst into the ocean. Start by dipping your toes before taking the plunge.
For more insights on building positive habits, check out this article on habits that make us better.
