An Argument For Change

It’s time to start working on New Year’s resolutions, which means we’re all searching for some kind of change in our lives. However, change can be scary and intimidating. Neuroscience has shown that change feels similar to uncertainty in our brains, which contributes to why so many people would rather avoid change and the uncomfortable feelings associated with it. Humans are conditioned and naturally programmed to like being in control. We fear change because the outcomes are unknown. The fear of failure also  comes into play, so trying something new is a risk. However, it’s important to remember that nothing in life is permanent except change. Once you learn to embrace it, you’ll see that change often brings a lot of new opportunities and experiences that are actually good for us.

Change brings adventure and excitement to life and allows us to leave the monotony behind. It’s far too easy to get sucked into the daily grind of working, coming home, doing chores, scrolling through your phone, and overall just cruising through each day without much excitement. Changing your daily schedule by: planning activities you enjoy on the weekend, taking classes on a skill you’ve always wanted to learn, being open when friends ask you to go out, or trying something you’ve never tried, are all ways you can implement positive change into your daily life.

Internal change can make you a better person, someone who is more capable of achieving their goals in life. Ask yourself, where would you be today if you hadn’t worked on changing aspects of yourself along the way? While letting go of old habits, comforts or behaviors can be hard, change offers a new perspective. Inner change means growth, and you should constantly be striving to grow, be better, and learn more. Someone who actively works toward improving themselves is more likely to stay motivated and on track with the goals they set for themselves.

When we learn to accept and seek out change, we are reassured that bad times will not last forever. In fact, it becomes an exercise and a practice that gets easier with time. Focus on making small changes at first, then bigger ones later. Stay open and adaptable, and avoid giving into the urge to fight it. The more you go through the process the more you’ll become resilient when dealing with the unexpected.

If you’re still feeling anxious about the idea of change, remember there are different stages of change: anticipation, regression, breakthrough, and consolidation. Have hopes for the best and plans for the worst case. While you can’t always control the outcomes, knowing what you’ll do if something fails will reduce the consequences.

When you are able to welcome change with all of its potential, good and bad, you can regain a sense of power.  If you’re feeling anxiety, remind yourself that you are almost to your breakthrough and things will start getting easier.

For more ideas:  212 The Extra Degree, Change Your Words, Change your World, Change is Good…You Go First