Change is inevitable. No matter how much you resist, it will come. If you embrace change, you can make drastic improvements in your life.
Do you want to jumpstart your career in a niche industry? Start planning a cross-country move to a city with more job opportunities. Are you quick to get angry during a disagreement? Dedicate your time free time to a class in conflict resolution.
Do you want to discover how to embrace change in life? Read the six tips below.
Surround Yourself With Support
You may have heard the old adage, “You’re only as successful as the people around you.” This thought applies to happiness, as well. According to one study, those who surround themselves with positive, smiling individuals are more likely to have a better attitude than those surrounded by negative people. Experts believe this phenomenon could spill over into the digital world. Embrace change in life by surrounding yourself with supportive people who motivate you to be better.
Ease Fear and Uncertainty
Change can be scary. Ease the fear and anxiety by reminding yourself you’re not alone. When faced with something new or different, many feel the same way. If you’ve decided to make a significant change in your life — like move across the country for a job — there will be times when you face doubts. The key is to understand it’s normal, something you can’t completely overcome. Instead, learn to act in spite of uncertainties, especially when it leads to future advancements.
Write Down Personal Goals
Examine yourself and honestly pinpoint personal flaws. Perhaps you’re always late to appointments or have trouble focusing when someone talks. Don’t think of these flaws as negatives — instead, consider them opportunities to change and be better.
Create a list of personal goals you hope to accomplish, with ideas like:
- Learn different perspectives, embrace empathy
- Actively listen and value others’ opinions
- Avoid procrastination, utilize time effectively
- Develop improved conflict resolution skills
Once you have a goal, you can create an action plan for positive change. If it doesn’t work, switch it out for another one. The road to embracing change is all about flexibility.
Have the Right Mindset
Some people automatically have the mindset that change equals bad. If you start with this way of thinking, you’re sure to face setbacks along your journey. You can’t stop change — it’s a natural part of life. Instead of fighting it, think of it as beneficial, something you can use to affect your life positively. If something bad happens or you receive negative criticism, look for the good hidden within. What can you do today that will make a difference tomorrow?
Create a Comfortable Space
Some changes — like a big move to a new city or country — can be disconcerting. One way to cope and embrace change is to create a comfortable space. Consider your apartment your home base, filled with everything you need to feel at ease.
Start with a bathroom, a room you’ll arguably use once you first arrive. Hang your shower curtain and light a candle. Open up the windows to let in the natural light and fresh air. A couple of floor lamps can also light up an otherwise gloomy space.
Be Kind to Yourself
We each have a little voice in our heads that narrates our lives. This voice is called self-talk. If you make a mistake or slip up, that voice is the first to pipe up and tear you down.
Be aware of negative self talk and ask yourself if it’s accurate. We’re often harder on ourselves than others. Put your thoughts into perspective — are they helpful? Do they achieve anything? Practice thinking good things about yourself. The more you do it, the easier it will get.
Change is nothing to fear. Once embraced, it can have a positive and fulfilling impact on your life. Build a support network of positive friends and family, and develop a set of personal goals to establish change on your own terms.
It’s also important to understand self talk. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake. You’re only human. The best you can do is pick yourself up, dust yourself off and carry on.
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