Embracing Change to Catalyze Growth in Our Personal and Professional Lives

You’ve heard it before: The one constant is change.

When we resist change and attach ourselves to certain outcomes or dwell in the past, change can be a significant source of stress. It creates a push and pull that negates our forward momentum – kind of a large-scale version of that feeling when you’re standing in front of an ice cream case trying to decide which flavor to get, if your fave is out of stock.

If you don’t choose something, you’re going to walk away without ice cream. (Nooo!)

If you accept that you’re going to have to try something new, the choice becomes an adventure. Who knows? Maybe that artisan-style coconut creme will become your new favorite!

Expand that approach on a bigger scale: what would life be like if change was something you sought out, rather than protected yourself from?

Recognizing and embracing change as part of life can transform this stress into an opportunity for growth, discovery, and, ultimately, fulfillment!

The Stress Connection

Resistance is a breeding ground for stress. When we oppose change, we create friction that disrupts our flow, and if we don’t have good coping strategies in place, that stress and discomfort can balloon into behaviors and habits that keep us right where we are. If this happens often, don’t dare blame yourself! It’s an entirely human response. We want to keep things known.

To reduce this stress, let go. Allow change to unfold.

4 Steps to Embracing Change Every Day

1. Shift your mindset. Embrace growth, viewing change as a means of expansion rather than an obstacle to be overcome.
2. Build resilience. (More on this in our weekly newsletter! There are so many ways to tackle this challenge!) When you fill your toolbox with strategies to bounce back from stress, you’re unstoppable.
3. Stay connected. Maintain your supportive network, or find one. Sharing experiences with friends or mentors can ease transitions, providing comfort and perspectives.
4. Practice self-care. Go beyond the bubble bath and pedicure here. Prioritize activities that nourish your mind and body, help you mitigate stress, and enhance your ability to cope with disruption.

Embracing change opens the door to equipping ourselves with life skills that will stand the test of time! Focusing on adaptability reminds us that we have everything we need to navigate this world together.

Looking for more tips and practical tools for accepting and embracing change? We’ve got ‘em! Choose between weekly and daily subscriptions at Permission to Start Over! Subscribe here: https://permissiontostartover.com/subscribe.

Wishing you a rich, fulfilling life,

Emily