4 Ways To Embrace Change

In the last post, I discussed what change is and why we resist it. In this post, I want to provide an antidote to it and talk about ways in which we can embrace change.

Embracing Change

As much as change can be difficult, we must embrace change if we are to grow and develop – as a person, family, race, nation or a species. We must embrace change if we are to transcend and raise. The seed doesn’t become a fruit by remaining the same neither does the caterpillar become a butterfly without change. It happens with metamorphosis. It happens with change.
Now more than ever, embracing change is vital. Everything is changing, from the way we work to the way we connect, shop, bank and even socialise. If we do not step up to embrace these changes now, we will resist and we will struggle. It can be painful, yes, but most things worth our time, effort and attention are.

Here are a few ways you can embrace change:

Prepare yourself for change

Can you foresee this change coming (moving to a new country/ city/ job)? Do your research. Find out everything you possibly can about this upcoming move/change/transition. Find out all the ways in which you can minimise a shock to your system. Be prepared mentally and physically (climate/distance etc). Alas, there will always be something that takes you by surprise (isn’t that the fun of life?) but have this realisation in your mind too so it doesn’t take you completely off guard.

Identify the problems early so you can be prepared.
List your fears of change – what is it that you are actually afraid of? Write it down and make a list if necessary. You will realise that often times its worse in your head than it is on paper and in reality.
Break it down into smaller action – If you break the change down into smaller, more manageable elements it becomes far easier to deal with. ‘One step at a time’ analogy.

Focus on things you can control.

There are things you have control over and then there are those you don’t. We only have a limited amount of time and energy, pick your battles carefully. Change can not always be in your control. If you cannot control it, why are you stressing about it? It’s going to happen one way or another, nothing you can do. However, if you can control it, do everything in your power to make it a favourable outcome. Read my post on Transformation and Transcendence for a bit more context.

Focus on growth

We grow by changing our current state. By either transforming or transcending. By becoming something new or accepting something as it is. Change always brings an opportunity for growth, whether we like it or not, whether we accept it or not. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong and the negative aspects of change, think of the ways in which you can grow and become a better person in the process. Remember your values, believes and principles. No matter the scale of change, if you remain true to yourself, you can weather the storm and come out on top.
Ask yourself:

Can you learn something new due to this change (language, skill, art, about the world, about your self)?
Will this change push you out of your comfort zone?
Will it force you to confront an inner fear?
Will it make you step into your greatness?
Will it make you do something new? Something different?
These are all opportunities for growth. Accept them. Embrace them

Let Go

Letting go is often viewed as surrender, as defeat. It is not. The act of letting go can be a powerful ally. Change can help you let go and if you embrace this mentality, change can be a powerful catalyst in transforming and improving your life.

Let go of strong emotions (anger/sorrow/saddness/hate etc)
Let go of expectations (have agreements instead)
Let go of ego
Let go of old ideas and notions (that do not serve you anymore)
Let go of your world view to see things in a new light.
Let go of people that don’t add value to your life – no point having ‘friends’ that do not challenge you to become better.

Facing the Change

Once you have equipped yourself with the correct perspective, a growth mindset, the precise amount of preparation and have let go of the right things, you are ready to face and embrace change, no matter its nature and scale.
Nothing in the universe is permanent so embrace the changes that come your way and find opportunities in them. Change is inevitable and as Heraclitus put it:

“The only constant in life is change”-Heraclitus

Further Reading

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