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What is Change? Several dictionary definitions are: to undergo transformation or transition, move from one phase to another, alter one’s approach or attitude, shift from one to another, or to become different. For many of us, change is often seen as something we want but are somewhat afraid of- especially when it comes to our careers. Why is this?
When you hear the word change, what thoughts come up for you?
Change takes us out of our Comfort Zone. Our comfort zone is our cozy quilt of the routines we have that make us feel good. It’s the security of predictable behavior, experiences, people and places. Our comfort zone keeps us in a familiar place and we feel safe. We’re pretty sure we can succeed, look good, feel good, and feel happy there, most of the time anyway. Outside our comfort zone…well who knows? Yes, safety and comfort are important, but when our comfort zone becomes a barrier, preventing us from changing our lives for the better, that is when it is time to ask how willing we are to stretch. Why stretch? Because growth and new possibilities lie outside our comfort zone.
What growth and change will you be seeing?
What new possibilities could emerge from this, personally and professionally?
Change takes us into the Unknown. Part of the discomfort of change lies in the unknown of who we think we have to become to deal with it and how we will handle it. Yes, knowledge is important, for if we don’t know where we are going we surely won’t get there. But can we know everything about what is to come? Would we truly want to? Martin Luther King said “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step in faith.”
What do you need to know in order to be willing, ready and able to embrace the career changes that are coming or those you want?
Change brings up thoughts and fears. Most of us will probably admit that often, when faced with a career change of any kind (from a total transition, to a new boss, to new responsibilities), our attention immediately moves to what we are not getting, won’t have any longer, are losing or leaving behind. William James said “Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” Instead of our usual thoughts about change, what if we saw change as an opportunity, a chance to expand our mind and spirit, a way to experience something different, and perhaps even better? What would it be like if we put our attention on what we are seeking, what we are wanting, instead of what we fear?
What do you currently fear about change?
What if you chose to believe something different? What would you want to believe?
Change “forces” us to do things differently. Your current skills, strengths and experiences lie within your comfort zone – they are known, proven and strong. The way you do what you do every day is also within your comfort zone – even if there is a better way, it is more comfortable to keep doing what you know. Feeling like we are “forced” often brings a lot of resistance. What if, instead, you embraced change as an opportunity to access more of your potential? Change gives us the opportunity to further develop our skills and talents – perhaps even discovering new ones we did not know were there.
How would you like to develop your talents? What would you like to discover about yourself?
Change means we have to let go. To fully embrace change, to have it become a fulfilling growth experience, we must also be willing to let go of certain things. For example, to embrace a new way of doing business, you must be willing to let go of the “old way”; to welcome new technology, you must be willing to let go of the comfort of using the current technology. Letting go does not mean forgetting about or discarding. It means bringing the experiences, learning and benefits of the “old” and adding them to the “new”. If you remain “wishing” none of these changes were taking place, you remain stuck in limbo.
What will you need to let go of to embrace change in your life and work?
As we can see, there are many emotions that surround change that keep us away from it. However, if we see change as a choice, we can choose how we approach it. If we embrace it and see opportunities, we will grow. If we fight it or see only problems, we will struggle. When we feel we are at choice, change can be both exhilarating and very rewarding!
Remember, “Our current safe boundaries were once unknown frontiers.”
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