"Change is not to be feared, but understood." ~ Anonymous
Change prompts us to shift our status quo. It could be as simple as a minor physical, mental or emotional adjustment to more complex combination of factors.
During times of change, we often dive right into reactions, instead of taking a moment to be with the change, be with ourselves and be with the situation.
Let's pause and reflect on the following prompts to get to know our natural response to change:
What's your attitude toward change?
List 3-5 beliefs about change.
Describe your relationship with change using 3-5 adjectives.
Assess your liking of change (-5=dislike, 0=natural, 5=like).
People typically react and respond to change in various ways:
Ignoring any signs of change until it becomes imminent (avoiding change).
Denying, resisting, or exaggerating the impacts without a genuine assessment (dismissing or distorting change).
Doing nothing, letting change unfold and attributing blame afterward (being passive or a victim).
Accepting the happening of change, understanding its impacts, and envisioning ideal outcomes (taking responsibility for change).
Preparing and adjusting conscientiously on physical, mental, and emotional levels (caring for change and its impacts).
Embracing, planning, and eagerly anticipating the change (being with and driving the change).
Collaborating, supporting, and encouraging others to welcome the change (thriving change).
Which of these resonates most with you?
Consider which other ways to be with change and which you'd like to embrace, here are some tips that may be helpful in making shifts more easily:
Be courageous and take time to be and talk about change.
Understand the meaning and impact of change in your life.
Review and renew your beliefs regarding change to cultivate a positive relationship.
Be aware the natural impact of change on you physically, mentally and emotionally.
Realistically assess changes within your control (take action to move forward) and those beyond your influence (to let go worrying or let go trying).
Embrace uncertainty, turn fear of change into motivation for exploration and growth.
Befriend change by understanding your behavioural patterns and managing reactions.
Take responsibility for your response to change, being proactive rather than passive.
Remember, we are in determining how change affects us. If you prefer the status quo, be prepared for the consequences of resisting change. Alternatively, if you appreciate change, identify your motivations and potential barriers.
Ultimately, befriend change, thrive change and let it work for you.