Coping with Change

Change can be scary and overwhelming, whether it’s moving house, changing jobs or starting a relationship – it’s hard to be certain about things that are new. Many people believe that for successful change we need to be completely prepared and have all the information. However, successful change often involves a positive outlook, an open mind and flexibility for events along the way.

Remind yourself why you chose to change.  Completing this change can take you one step closer to reaching your goals. Does this change align with your values? Is this change bringing you closer to the person you want to be?  

Exercise acceptance. Change can happen in a variety of ways but at the end of the day – it happens. Accepting that change is part of life’s natural course can help foster an open mind. Trying to fight or avoid change often leads to stress and less control of your own story.

Recognise what you can control. Combatting the uncertainty of change comes with breaking down the process and identifying what you have power over. Chunk the problems into manageable steppingstones, celebrate little wins and engage with change rather than just letting it happen to you.

Try a growth mindset. It is easy to get into a habit of using language like “I can’t” or “there’s no way I can handle this”. Being flexible about change allows you to be open to different outcomes. Tell yourself things like “I can’t YET”, “it takes time to adjust” or “this is a learning process”.

Engage in self-care. Make sure to look after your mind and body to best cope with change. Talking with friends and family, staying active, doing activities that bring a sense of pleasure can all help boost your mood during a time of uncertainty.

When engaging in change, try to be motivated to seek new opportunities and encourage adventure.