Empty nesting. Losing a job. Starting a new one. Downsizing. Divorce.
Change can be hard and it can be painful.
Some people — er, like me at times — look at change negatively. They resist change because they believe they will lose something of value or fear they will not be able to adapt to the new ways, or see it as a threat and feel they may not be able to cope.
If I’m being really honest it’s not even the change itself that’s all that bad. It’s the “now what?” period. Good grief! I hate those times! This is when you’re just trying to get your legs under you and figure out just what in the heck comes next.
You might find yourself asking yourself questions like:
- Who am I?
- What’s my purpose?
- What’s my new role?
- How will I survive?
- Will I be needed anymore?
Listen up! There’s a way to make change easier! It’s really almost too simple to believe.
Drum roll, please. Here’s what you do…you turn change from a negative into a positive! Yep, you simply move from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. Instead of looking at it like it’s the end of the world, simply begin looking at change as if it was a challenge, or an interesting opportunity to learn or do something new.
Instead of looking at it like it’s the end of the world, simply begin looking at change as if it was a challenge, or an interesting opportunity to learn or do something new. Click To TweetI pinky swear to you that this works! When we look positively at the change you and I are more likely to experience peace and acceptance because the change seems within our abilities and limits.
Here’s what you do → tell yourself things like:
- I’m going to do great at this
- I’m excited because I’ll learn new things.
- I’m going to grow stronger because of this.
- This will make me a better person.
- I get to expand my experiences and do new things
Rule of thumb: Embrace change. Reframe your thinking. View change as a challenge, as fun, and as growth-inducing, not a threat! Celebrate moments of progress during the change — including baby steps. Perhaps one day you can help usher someone else through change and make it easier on them.
Enjoy your journey to new things. You got this.
