Changes... (Pt 2)

Conquering the fear of Change 

So you're considering the concept of embracing change.... GREAT!!!!  But you're also apprehensive and don't quite know how to approach this thing... I get it. Although the fear of change is natural, it doesn't have to hold us back. To have fear of something is natural, the challenge comes when we allow that fear to dictate our actions and interactions.  Acting out of fear has the potential to rob us of our joy, peace, and can lead to a lifestyle that lands us

in a constant state of overwhelm.  I read a quote once that stuck with me... "DO IT SCARED"!  To EXPERIENCE fear and LIVE IN fear are two different things.  Paul addresses this in 2 Timothy 1:7; For God has not given us the SPIRIT of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.  Power and love should counteract fear (but that's another blog topic for another day)!  Let's explore a few practical strategies to overcome the fear of change, and help you not only accept change but thrive through it:

Try not to overthink the possibilities of embracing change!

Shift your mindset to perceive change as an opportunity! One of the most effective ways to embrace change is by reframing the way you think about it. Instead of focusing on what you stand to lose, think about what you have the potential to gain. Whether it’s new experiences, personal growth, or a different perspective, change offers many valuable gifts.

A mindset shift can be as simple as reminding yourself that growth rarely happens without discomfort. When you start viewing change as an opportunity to learn and grow, it becomes much easier to embrace it.

Take small steps.  Large changes can feel overwhelming, but breaking them down into manageable steps can make the process feel more approachable. Let's say you're navigating a big career change, for example.  Before you walk off of the job, take a self-assessment.  Consider (and record) all the things you've learned in your current career.  What have been your major take-aways and what are your areas of expertise?  Now consider what other industries would benefit from those skills.  Now you have an idea of how to reshape your resume and what industries to target.  Taking small, intentional actions will help you feel more in control and less anxious about the unknown.

Stay open and curious.  Cultivate curiosity about the change you’re facing. Instead of seeing it as a disruption, ask yourself what you can learn from it. What new skills will you develop? What people will you meet? How can you grow through this experience? A curious mindset allows you to explore the change rather than resist it, making the transition smoother and more rewarding.

​​​​​​​Focus on what you can control.  Change often brings uncertainty, but there are always aspects of the situation that you can control. Focus your energy on those elements, whether it’s how you respond to challenges, how you communicate with others, or how you manage your time. By controlling what you can, you’ll feel more grounded and capable as you navigate the change.

Practice self-compassion.  Change can be stressful, and it’s easy to fall into self-criticism when things don’t go as planned. Remember to be kind to yourself. Give yourself permission to feel discomfort, uncertainty, or even frustration. These emotions are normal and part of the process. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend who’s going through a tough time.  Give yourself the same grace God extends to every one of us.

​​​​​​​Lean on your tribe. Having a support system can make change feel less daunting. Share your experiences with friends, family, or colleagues who can offer encouragement and perspective. Sometimes, just knowing that others have gone through similar transitions can be incredibly comforting and motivating.  These interactions can provide hope as well as comfort.  Don't discount the benefits of having people who can pour into you from a place of sincerity and organic concern.

Change, in all its forms, is not something to fear, but something to embrace. It offers us the chance to grow, adapt, and discover new possibilities. By shifting our mindset, taking small steps, and remaining open to the lessons that change brings, we can turn uncertainty into opportunity. The process of embracing change isn’t always easy, but it’s a necessary one if we want to live fuller, more dynamic lives.  When we begin to view change as not just something that happens to us, we get to shape the narrative and make the most of it. With the right mindset and the right approach, we’ll discover that change isn’t a roadblock, but a pathway to our best selves.  When you have another opportunity, which one of these strategies will you use to embrace change?