How can one become proficient in handling difficult changes?
We all know that change is the only constant in life, and it’s essential to keep pace with it. While some changes come easily, others can be more challenging. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the tougher ones and make the process more enjoyable — whether you’re focusing on personal well-being, learning something new, breaking a habit, or pursuing a career shift.
Be open
It’s crucial to approach change with an open mind, free from preconceived notions or judgments. While it may take time to develop this mindset, it proves highly beneficial. Embracing change in this way allows us to accept uncertainty, learn from personal experiences and mistakes, and tailor the process to our own needs. Often, we tend to compare ourselves with others — whether it’s the best in our circle or societal expectations — or set rigid personal goals. When we fall short, it can lead to a loss of motivation.
Make time for change
There are no shortcuts to change, and it’s not something you can simply acquire. It requires time and effort. At the start, your actions may not go according to the plan. That is okay and no need to be critical of yourself as long as you are genuinely trying. Keep moving forward and seek support if needed. A helpful strategy is to integrate these changes into your daily routine, allowing you to create time for them while bringing a sense of calm to your journey.
Allow the change to happen, instead of forcing it
Trust yourself and let change unfold naturally, rather than trying to force it. Some changes take time and have a profound impact on us, so it’s important to approach them with patience and avoid over-analyzing. Instead, practice empathy and view the process through the lens of your purpose. In many cases, consistency yields better outcomes than intensity. Taking small, purposeful steps is often a wise approach.
Consider it a new learning
At times, it’s more effective to view change as an opportunity for new learning, rather than as the difficult process of unlearning long-held habits. Much like a child naturally transitions from crawling to walking, there’s no need to battle old habits or conventions to embrace something new. Resistance often holds us back, but by focusing on growth and progress, we can move forward more easily.
Play it like an infinite game (Simon Sinek)
You don’t need to have a finish line for a majority of changes. Because there is no finish line there is no such thing as ‘winning’. The primary objective is to keep doing, with the best outcome possible being that you end your turn happy with your progress on it. Playing infinite game brings the calmness and composure needed for the journey, and allows you to continue for longer durations.
Enjoy little progress, small wins
It’s important to create space for a virtuous cycle between effort and results to sustain change. Once you establish one positive cycle, it can inspire you to continue, fueling ongoing progress. By celebrating small milestones, you can appreciate the journey and strengthen your commitment to it.
Some of the anti-patterns to change
- Looking for or expecting immediate results
- Having short-sighted goals, and stopping once reaching them
- Comparing yourself with the best performers in your circle or in the field
- Considering your attempt either success or failure. Most often it is not about success or failure. It is not just about being the best in everything we attempt. There are many permutations possible that can still be good enough for your purpose in life and offer a great experience.
