Learn to Embrace Change

Posted on: March 10, 2021, by :
Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

Without change, progress is impossible.

Pause and reflect on that statement for a minute. It’s in our nature to resist change. Socrates helps us direct our energy around change with his advice, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” When we get down to the bottom line, we must be willing and ready to change—and move forward and leave our past behind—in order to really make meaningful progress.

You need a mindset that is willing to embrace change. A mindset that wants to take the next step and move forward. To welcome change. A mindset that knows that you must, otherwise you will be stuck in the past.

This holds true for your personal and professional lives. When I think back about my life, I wouldn’t be who I am today without being willing to change. This is true for me professionally and personally.

Successful, satisfied people are those who understand and appreciate the need to change. Whether they go through major life transitions, or other less stressful changes, they respect that change must happen. Whatever the circumstance, they have a mindset that embraces the new while keeping the past in perspective.  

How to Improve Your Tolerance for Change

I know change can be scary. I want to give you four practical principles that you can use to help yourself become more comfortable with change. Keep in mind, when I talk about change, I’m talking about both small and large change. What I’m referring to are principles that you can use in any situation to help guide you in your transition.

  1. It must challenge you to change you. When it comes down to it, so many of us allow our fear of change to dominate our actions. The fear of what might happen overshadows the possibility of what could happen in our minds. Growth comes from navigating through challenges. You must be willing to be challenged.
  2. Change your thinking to change your circumstances. For many of us, we strive to keep things are they are—familiar, safe, and predictable—that is until we want to change. Once we have decided that we are ready to change, that is when possibilities become reality. It is up to you to decide that you are ready for change and that it is time for change to happen.
  3. All significant change begins within. Now I understand that this may seem a bit limiting but it is quite empowering. Certain changes do occur that drastically alter life as we know it. We tend to be reactionary in these situations and strive to return ourselves to the circumstances that make us feel more comfortable. Significant change occurs when you decide to proactively pursue change, rather than simply react to what has occurred.  
  4. Don’t underestimate your tolerance for ambiguity. This may seem daunting. I believe that by putting yourself in situations where outcomes are unknown you can benefit developmentally. Once you realize how capable and strong you are, you find yourself quite empowered. From the empowerment you gain the courage to withstand challenging circumstances and navigate through change.

What will you change this year? I challenge you to develop a mindset that embraces change. You never know how rewarding and fulfilled your life can be until you do.