If change is our only constant - then why are we so often not equipped to deal with it?

I have spent the last decade coaching, and the last 5 years curating and delivering training content - and change continues to be one of the main drivers for high anxiety and poor mental health in the workplace. It feels as if we have been on a 'change rollercoaster' since March 2020, when the world changed overnight and has continued to take us on a ride that has not slowed down ever since. Whenever I deliver our change training, I always pose the question: Why is change so challenging for us, when it is our only constant?

Before we delve into change and how it impacts us - it is important that we must forgive ourselves and accept that change is tough for us human beings. Neuroscience proves that change is hard on our brains, it demands a rewiring of our neural pathways. Our prefrontal cortex is impacted most by change, and is one of the most energy-demanding, easily tired and easily overwhelmed parts of the brain. Our brain enjoys habit, and the comfort of safety, rituals and routines. Change is seen as a danger, and our brain will do what it does best - put us into a state of fight/flight/freeze to keep us safe. Whilst this kept us alive back in the days we were living in caves - the modern day dangers are less likely to be life threatening yet our responses remain the same.

Yet just like we can learn how to be resilient, we can learn how to Thrive Through Change. That is not to say that we can thrive through all changing situations immediately, but we can learn how to accept change faster and choose our response to change so that we are able to thrive. Resilience and Change work hand in hand - and trusting our brain's ability to rewire through neuroplasticity will empower you to find the tools that work for you.

So what can we do to thrive through change?

Build Self Awareness: Understanding how change impacts you mentally and physically will help you understand yourself better. Map your responses from head to toe and write them down - that way you can recognise when change is impacting you and take the actions that work for you.

Know the change curve: Map out where you have been, where you are at and what you can choose to do that will help you embrace and accept the change. I ask participants to focus on the colours on this change curve as a way to help them move to the right hand side of the curve. If you are in the depression part of the curve - what can you choose to do that motivates or energises you? These are your choices and each of us will have a different answer - we must never tell people what they should do.

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Understand how we respond to change and the impact it has on us and those around us: Change is a personal thing, yet many of us may fall into a pattern of response. There are 4 typical responses to change: A Critic, Bystander, Victim & Navigator. Knowing how we respond, the impact it has on us and those around us will help us change the behaviours that may be holding us back. The truth can feel uncomfortable - but facing and addressing negative patterns will empower you to make positive change.

Mindset Hacking Tools: Protecting your mindset by setting goals, doing activities that energise you, practising gratitude, seeking out information and 'controlling the controllable's' are powerful ways to help you thrive through change. Choosing a growth mindset and avoiding your drainers will empower you to navigate change versus avoid it.

Recognise and celebrate your strengths: The truth is, you have all experienced change in the past and navigated it. Pause and reflect on what has helped you before, and tap into the strengths you found helpful. Conduct a strengths audit by taking a strengths assessment, and set goals to harness the strengths that you will help you thrive through change

Protect your energy: Change is draining, and we must plug in and recharge. Protecting your boundaries, focusing on your sustainers, avoiding your drainers, protecting your sleep, moving and nourishing yourself with good nutrition will empower you to thrive.

So with change coming thick and fast, and uncertainty not going anywhere soon - how can you choose to Thrive Through Change? If you are a people leader, how sure are you that your employees have the tools to thrive despite the changes that may be in store for them?

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We work with organisations to help their people thrive through change through training and coaching- creating a workforce that is resilient, agile and able to foster brilliance despite the uncertainty.

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Emma is the founder of Glow At Work: Fostering Brilliance in the workplace through human sustainability. We work with organisations serious about the resilience, wellbeing, belonging and personal growth of their workforce. Fostering brilliance through great training programmes and coaching - making the world a better place client by client.

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