Embracing change usually starts with your willingness to let go of something.
We all have something we want to let go of, whether it’s a harmful habit, a physical item, an unhealthy relationship, or a toxic viewpoint that keeps us tethered to where we are. However, despite wanting to let go, embracing change can be challenging.
The struggle to let go and embrace change often involves potentially losing control over the future—which can be a potent fear. But the reality is that while we can make choices based on the best information we have at the time, life will always be in a state of flux.
Whether the change is positive or negative, practicing letting go can help you become more flexible and adaptable. It can also help us move forward if we live in the past.
Why Do We Struggle With Change?
Before we discuss all the ways you can start embracing change, let’s look at why we’re so resistant to it in the first place. According to Katherine Cullen, MFA, LCSW, in her article titled Why Is Change So Hard? published in Psychology Today, “We often find ourselves resisting change, perhaps because of the perceived risk or fear associated with it.”
In her article, she refers to the example of the chain smoker looking to quit the habit. First is the acknowledgment of the act. In this case, the smoker may realize that they’re smoking a lot of cigarettes each day. This revelation might not be enough to prompt immediate action, but it starts the process.
The next phase is contemplation, when the individual considers the pros and cons of letting go of the habit. In the case of a chain smoker, this could involve comparing the benefits of quitting, such as lowering the risk of developing lung cancer, with the cons, such as not knowing another way to relieve stress and being fearful of not having any other method of self-soothing.
After weighing the pros and cons, you could make a detailed plan—e.g., choosing a day to quit smoking and trying a yoga class for stress relief or chewing gum when you have a craving. Then, you follow through with the plan. However, getting to this point of action is hard, but maintaining the lifestyle is even more complex because everything is outside the person’s comfort zone.
For a chain smoker, a piece of hard candy will hardly be an adequate substitute for something they enjoy. And since lifestyle changes aren’t linear, any setbacks could lead to self-judgment and frustration, making embracing the new change more difficult.
This cycle is why we’re so resistant to change. We’re often fearful of what lies on the other side of change. Though change isn’t always bad, we focus on the what-ifs.
The fear of letting go and embracing change
comes down to not knowing what to expect and the risk of regretting the decision to change later on, especially if it doesn’t pan out the way we want.
7 Strategies for Letting Go and Embracing Change
Letting go can be challenging as is, let alone when we’re also forced to embrace the unwanted change that comes with it.
Regardless of what you’re struggling to let go of, here are seven tips to help you welcome change, even if it will be tricky.
- Write it Down and Move Towards What You Want.
Using pen and paper (or a digital option) is a brilliant way to tackle change. Some changes come into our lives that we have no control over. In this case, journaling about these challenges can bring clarity and help you create a plan to move through them. You can adequately examine your fears and worries about the future. Likewise, the changes that we want to initiate can be challenging. A journaling tool can help you set worthwhile goals, develop a plan, and identify the resources supporting your journey. In either scenario, you can clear the path and start moving towards what you want.
- Identify Your Fears and Worries
Suppressing or ignoring your fears never works. Fear is a natural part of embracing change. It lets us know that there is some uncertainty in our lives. Understand that fear, doubt, and worry are not always negative. They can be signs that we know we are in a process of growth and developing new potential. Instead, try to identify your fears and worries around this particular change. This empowering process will help you overcome those fears enough to take the next baby step towards change. Don’t dismiss your fears. Use them to skyrocket you into a better version of yourself.
- Hire a Coach
We have examined how and why change can be so tricky. If you struggle and feel alone, hire a coach to help you reach the next level. You do not have to go through life alone. When the going gets tough, intelligent people lean into their community of friends and family. If that’s not available to you, consider hiring a coach or a trained professional to help people through times of change.
- Declutter your living space.
Clutter can increase stress, anxiety, and, in many cases, depression. Holding onto items that no longer serve you, even if they’re your style, can keep you stuck in the past. Start small if need be. Sometimes, resisting the little changes makes it even harder to let go and embrace the bigger ones. With enough practice, you can work your way up to those items that may have a mental chokehold on you.
- Listen to Your Inner Voice
You’ll know when to get rid of something or someone or move on. These feelings are usually subtle; one day, you wake up and don’t feel the same way about it anymore. Whenever this happens, take notice.
Your inner voice can be your voice of reason. Don’t be quick to dismiss it; trust that when that little voice tells you it’s time to let go, it’s because, deep down, it’s what you know is best for you.
- Consider a consultation with a mental health professional.
Changing other people may be impossible, but changing yourself may be accessible. However, you need a qualified professional to help make those changes possible. If you are struggling with overwhelming thoughts and feeling lost, defeated, or traumatized, it might be time to seek the help of a qualified therapist who can help you get through the storm.
- ALWAYS BELIEVE THERE IS A BETTER FUTURE
Believing in a vision can give you the strength to endure changes because you know that a better future lies ahead. Hold on to that!
Final thoughts:
Change is necessary for growth and personal development. We know this, yet we struggle as humans living in the real world. Letting go and embracing change is about the fear of not knowing what lies around the corner. You can make this change easier by trusting your gut and realizing that change can be scary, but you can make it if you try.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” —Victor Frankl.
Be well + prosper,
Elaine xx
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