Change is Hard But It’s Necessary.
Original Published on Medium.
Evolving takes courage. And we must use this courage to keep surviving and feeling good about our choices in life.
We are adaptable creatures. It’s a skill that we have learned to develop in order to survive many adversities and changes throughout the course of humanity on this planet.
Not many of us like to embrace change. Some of us love to stay in that “comfort zone” as much as we possibly can. Even the words make us feel calm, relaxed, and safe. Thus, changing requires a lot of energy - energy to take action and process mindful thoughts, before we make decisions, start over, or embark on new journeys. I believe that our genetic makeup, emotions, and our ability to cope with difficult situations, has its advantages when it comes to embracing change.
Most of our lives are a series of outcomes that force us to take chances and opportunities whenever they arise. However, sometimes we become so comfortable in our own mindset. If our life is somewhat safe, then why even try to change what we already know to be safe?
These are 7 advantages I’ve (so far) come to realize through creative entrepreneurship, by developing a mindset of embracing change:
Change helps you grow.
Change teaches you flexibility.
Change can unleash your inner strength.
Change can test your values and beliefs.
Change can reveal a more compassionate and kinder you.
Change can be really good for dismantling routines.
Change offers new opportunities to take advantage of.
We must evolve as human beings in this era, that now changes so much faster and is more unpredictable than ever before. Thanks to technology and new innovations being brought forward in order to make our lives better and to “simplify” them — we have become more comfortable in our own surroundings that make us feel safe.
When we are not comfortable or we have a lot on our plate, change can be considered a threat to what we already feel is too much. Or worse, when we are force to change (ex: Coronavirus epidemic) we go and buy massive packs of toilet paper. The point is, if you want to upgrade and change your current situation for the better, something in your life must change. It's unavoidable.
If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living. — Gail Sheehy
I always wonder why we try to avoid making changes even though our life or situation demands it. Since I started this writing and healing journey, I've come to realize that as much as I don’t like change and that facing the unknown is scary at times, I’ve also realized that if you want to better yourself and perhaps the life of others, you must develop a mindset of courageously acting against the fear and anxiety of making changes. Now my question to you is, is being so comfortable better than improving oneself?
For example, I work in a gym on weekends (This was before the quarantine). Their environment is changing as they are making beautiful changes to the facility (they are relocating everything and expanding the fitness area) in order to keep up with other companies that provide similar services. At first I started to see people’s reactions, mostly of shock, and then their realization that change was on the horizon. It’s scary and overwhelming for some and for others it’s so unacceptable, that they’d rather go to another gym!
Then the negative and not so pretty side of humanity comes out. I get to experience it firsthand because I deal with the customer service aspect of it. Complaining, lashing out, and the “I need someone to blame” behavior comes out, when these things are out of my control. Adjusting to change or a new environment can be difficult for some. For others, adaptability is a trait that not all of us possess but can be developed over time.
Whether we are changing careers, location, trying to lose weight or not being able to deal with a difficult person or client, break-ups, feeling lost, dealing with mental illness, healing from an accident or grieving a loved one, all the internal changes that we must go through in order to evolve are necessary.
Remember, just like any new habit, embracing change takes some practice. Keep the above list handy — the next time you’re presented with a change that seems a little intimidating, refer to it. Use it to remind yourself of all the positive impact change can bring— not only to your own life, but to the lives of those around you as well.
Just like Theodore Roosevelt once said:
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
By Angie Abreu Olivo -Founder, Creative Entrepreneur and Environmentalist Single Mom. Edited by Vanessa H.
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