Why we fear change and how to embrace it
We all have experienced fear of change in our lives, be it the fear of beginning a new job, moving to another home, or progressing from school to college. Each of these experiences brings with it part nervousness, part fear, and part anxiety. Fear of change is known as Metathesiophobia.
Change is when we move out of our comfort zone and try something new. We do not know how the path will be—rocky or smooth. We are foraying into the world on our own to meet the challenges that come with this change. We are going to try our hand at something we have never done before, and we tend to be a tad apprehensive about it.
In life, change is inevitable. Whether you like it or not, changes keep occurring in our lives, bringing new challenges and new opportunities. How we embrace this change is what is important. Are we going to cower in a corner or are we going to face the change head on?
Fear of change
There are certain ways in which we show our fear of change.
- Anxiety: We feel anxious as our comfortable routine is going to change and we fret away thinking about how our life will be affected by this change. We worry about thinking about scenarios that are yet to occur and how they will affect us, thereby making a mountain out of a molehill!
For example: re-locating for a new job. We keep worrying about how the relocating will be, how the new office will be, how the colleagues will be, how will we adjust to a new house with our family, and so many other thoughts.
- Panic attacks: We may be prone to panic attacks just at the thought of relocating. There will be palpitations, a rise in blood pressure, increased perspiration, and a feeling of despair. We may also have sudden headaches, stomach aches or body pain, all because of undue stress.
- Negative thoughts: We may begin thinking negatively about the change, thereby making it worse. We build up a bad picture of the change in our minds and think of all the things that could go wrong. In actuality, this is just over-thinking on our part. It is not the end of the world!
- Prolong: We tend to put off and prolong the change as much as possible. Little knowing that this change is for the betterment and not otherwise. We delay the whole process as much as possible, which is of no use.
- Insecurity: We tend to feel insecure as we are unaware of how things will eventually turn out. Will we be able to prove ourselves and face the change to the best of our ability?
Thinking of all this is pointless.
How to embrace change
You need to stay focused and ready to embrace the change.
- Accept the fact that change is taking place
- Build up a positive mindset
- Be ready to face the challenges head-on
- Welcome the new opportunities that come your way
- Grow personally and professionally with change
- Build up your self-confidence
- Become resilient
- This is an opportunity to increase your learning
- Welcome the feeling of excitement and experiencing the unknown
- Move forward and do not look back to the past.
- Concentrate on nailing the present
- Manage stress effectively for a calm mind
- Maintain a journal, pen down your thoughts, clear your mind
- Communicate with your family and friends
- Join a support group
- Consult a therapist/counsellor
- Engage in some form of exercise to keep your body fit
- Take time to unwind and destress
- Keep yourself busy so your mind does not wander aimlessly
Everyone goes through some change or the other. You are no exception. How you tackle the change is what is crucial. A fit body and mind can do wonders. Ensure that you eat healthy, instead of gorging on food that you think beats your stress (burgers, fries, pizzas and other fast food is a big NO-NO).
What we need to do is accept change, with all its bows and brickbats. It is not going to kill us, so better stop thinking that change is bad. “In life, the only thing constant is change”. Such true words and so apt.
So best gear up to change now. It is but a part of life. Without change, our lives would be boring and mundane. Change builds up the excitement in our lives, as it comes with a sense of mystery and intrigue. Think of it as a gift. Peel away the layers of fear, to reach the gift of the best opportunity ever.
Change is here, and change is now!
