From Resistance to Resilience: How to Embrace Change and Thrive

We all know how difficult it can be to accept change. It’s human nature to want to stick to the familiar and shy away from the unknown. But change is inevitable, not matter how much we try to resist it. There’s even an old saying that goes “the only thing permanent in this world is change.”

Change is a part of life and embracing it, instead of running from it, can offer new opportunities and open up new horizons. The coaching teams of the personal development world have their share of going from startup to a well-oiled engine. And yet somehow, someone comes along and bring about changes to make the system even more efficient. This is when we feel the push and pull inside of us. Do we go back to the comfort zone where it was already working so well. Don't fix what ain't broken, some would say. Or do we push the envelope and fine-tune and tweak things to do a little more and add a little more achievement to our list of "have dunnits"?

That's the easier road. When we change by choice. But sometimes life pushes us towards the edge when we aren't even looking to change. That's the harder road. When we change because circumstances beckons us. Here are some tips on how you can get over the shock of change and stepping onto your new you.

One of the best ways to start embracing change is to have an open mind. It’s important to remember that change can bring about positive experiences, not just negative ones. In an interview with Ketan Makwana of Seventy-Seven Ventures and former Enterprise Lab, he hasn’t seen and experienced real change where a person, organization or government isn’t met with a polarizing event that can oftentimes be seen as a negative event.

So rather than seeing change as something to dread, look for the potential it offers. By actively looking for the upside of change, you can start to accept it more easily and see a disruption for what it is: a catalyst for something new to arise.

Keep Yourself Grounded

It’s important to keep your focus on the present moment. Change often brings uncertainty and fear, staying grounded and holding s

pace for the present helps you better able to manage the things you are in control of like yourself and your reactions. Acknowledge your feelings but don’t get carried away with them. Remind yourself that change can lead to growth and that you are capable of managing it.

Find a Support System

Another great way to cope with change is to have a support system. Talk to your friends and family or your therapist about how you are feeling and ask for help if you need it. Sharing your worries and fears with people who can help you process your thought process or simply be there to listen to you as you process your own thoughts can make change easier to handle.

Take It One Day at a Time

Finally, take it one step at a time. It can be overwhelming to try to take on all the changes at once so break your down your tasks--of bringing yourself up to speed of what’s happening around you—into small steps. Focus on tackling each one as it comes. Taking it slow and steady can help you feel less overwhelmed and be better able to manage the changes.

Don’t Let Fear Get in the Way

Embracing change can be difficult, but it can also bring about positive outcomes. You don’t haven’t to let fear overtake the wheel and get in the way of new adventures and opportunities. Open up your mind and recognize the potential that change can offer. Remember that you don’t have to do it alone—reach out for support if you need it. With patience and perseverance, you can make changes in your life without having changes be done to you. You’ll be more mentally prepared for it.