Harnessing the Energy of Change
Why is it so difficult for people to embrace change?
One of the most difficult things for people to embrace is change. Yet, change happens all around us. Time changes, seasons change, years change and your body is constantly changing.
Why is it so difficult for people to embrace change? It is because change challenges your brain. The human brain is hard wired for survival. It likes certainty. Humans have evolved to “predict safe circumstances.” Our brains see change as a threat. Any threat is seen, by your brain, as fear.
Your brain begins a “survival distress mode” program.
You experience stress, anxiety and negative emotions.Your mind has been programmed by your past thoughts and experiences. It is also programmed by the words you say to yourself. Negative phrases such as, “I can’t do that” or “I’m not smart enough” or “I don’t want to do …” will keep you stuck in an uncomfortable situation.
Mindfulness helps you to see any change as an opportunity for growth and learning. Mindfulness shifts your mind-set from a fixed mind-set to a growth mind-set.
Let me ask you a question?
Do you believe your traits and abilities as well as other people’s traits and abilities are continuously developing and can change? Be honest!
If you answered “yes” then you have a growth mind-set. A growth mind-set means, you know you are capable of improvement. You can succeed at anything. You see change as a challenge or even an opportunity for growth.
If you answered “no” to my question, it means you have a fixed mind-set. This type of mind-set sees any type of change as a challenge, a threat. It takes much more awareness and practice to change this type mind-set.
How can mindfulness help you deal with change?
1. Become mindfully aware of your Self talk. Is it negative or positive? If it is negative- Change it to things like “I can do anything or I am smart and capable” etc...
2. Reframe your thoughts around change. See change as an opportunity for growth and learning.
3. Celebrate every change you embrace. These can be very small: like eating a different food, listening to different music or going different places. Small changes lead to big changes.
4. Look back at all the many changes in your life you have already conquered. Celebrate all you learned.
5. Give yourself permission to embrace change
6. As you gain confidence handling change, look for ways to assist others who are struggling with change. Give them examples of how you embraced change.
This is a great time of year to embrace change because March is a month of many changes. Harness the energy of the changing season, to do some self-reflection, mindfully meditate, or look for different opportunities to achieve your goals.
Step out of your comfort zone to embrace any change as it comes your way. This will be one of the best things you’ve ever done for yourself.