Let’s talk about change!
Like it or loath it, it is a fact of life. Sometimes we choose it and sometimes it chooses us.
It may bring uncertainty, excitement, fear, anger, optimism, acceptance, resistance… a real mixed bag. For some it feels like an opportunity, for others it feels like a very stressful thing to navigate.
As humans we’re programmed with a negativity bias, an old protective mechanism that causes us to have a stronger response to negative emotions. This evolved thousands of years ago when we needed to be more attentive to negative stimuli and act fast when we were in environmental danger. Although the dangers of our day to day lives are now far less life threatening, this protective mechanism remains and has adapted to what we now perceive as danger… for example, change.
The fear of the unknown and the “what ifs”, get loud...
“What if I fail?”
“What if people don’t like it?”
“What if they think I’m stupid?”
“What if it doesn’t work?”
“What if it’s not perfect?”
And let me take a moment to say… I am not immune. At the start of the month I left my corporate job and took a ‘leap of faith’ into full time Life Coaching. This decision was a full body YES and I couldn’t be more content, but still the fear got loud from every direction. I feared failure; I feared for my stability; I feared people would think I was stupid; and I feared my parents wouldn't understand.
However, with these 5 steps I turned the volume down on fear and moved through this period of change with calmness and optimism (and a bit of excitement too).
Fact or fiction? - are the thoughts racing through your mind fact or are they a story you’re telling yourself in the interest of staying safe?
Trust your gut - You know what’s right! Take some time and space to clear your mind and listen to your gut.
One step at a time - In any period of change there will be practical things that need to be done. Zoom out from the overwhelming to do list. Zoom in on the very first step. What is the first step, how will you take it, when will you take that step, how will it feel once this step is taken.
Allow yourself to get it wrong - Navigating change is a process that will not always run smoothly, and that’s okay.
Ask for help and accept it! - as a recovering people pleaser this was a tricky one.
And remember, the negative thoughts and emotions become louder and more intrusive because they are trying to keep you safe. Acknowledge them for what they are and let them go. Notice the positive emotions and lean in.
Although change is scary it is also a huge opportunity to evolve, grow and step into something great.If you need a helping hand along the way, I’m here for you.
Click here to chat about the change you’re navigating.