Change is a concept that most people fear or reject. The mere thought of adopting a new perspective can leave you feeling overwhelmed and helpless.
Despite the unwanted stress that change may bring into your life, it is also a source of growth, fulfillment, and new opportunities. Hence, no matter how much you try to resist, change will always come knocking at your door. The question is — will you let it in?
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got,” — Henry Ford
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are forced to change ourselves.” — Victor Frankl
Here’s a quick guide to help you conquer your fear of change and have the strength to cope with challenges. Soon, you will be prepared for the bigger things and greater rewards that life has to offer.
Think long-term
According to Elon Musk, change is necessary if you are to avoid serious problems further down the road. Often, change is something that we don’t easily accept because we don’t want to face the difficulties that come along with it. For instance, the mere thought of having to integrate a fitness routine into your daily schedule can feel overwhelming. It is tempting to just spend your time with a TV show or any number of other entertainment options.
If you analyze and dig deeper, you’ll find that the struggle only exists when you are thinking. Your own mind is holding you back because it fails to see how the long-term results will benefit to you. Once you are already engaged in something new, the pain or discomfort will only last a few minutes or hours. The effects will be lasting and powerful enough to make a huge difference in your life.
View it as a gift
Learn to think of change as a gift that you can give yourself. Much like a gift received from someone else, it’s something that should excite you, tickle your curiosity, and bring delight. You would not think twice about unwrapping a holiday present — you are eager to discover what’s inside.
Similarly, in life, don’t think twice about unwrapping change because it may open up great opportunities for you to improve and become a better version of yourself. The experience might not always be pleasing, as it stretches your limits, but the result will be rewarding.
In the world of finance, investing is a gift that you can give yourself, once you are able to commit to it. It may be a journey of ups and downs, but remain steady and stick to your plan. Inevitably, your hard-earned money will compound into a much-deserved financial reward.
Turn anxiety into productivity
“You don’t have to hold yourself hostage to who you used to be.” -Oprah Winfrey
At times when you are challenged to go above and beyond your normal routine, turn to an activity that will convert your anxiety into productivity. You will prevent negative thoughts from becoming overpowering. For instance, imagine that you are being considered for a new position at work and you aren’t 100% confident that you can handle the job. Instead of overthinking the outcome, focus on how you can improve your performance now. Use those results as a personal gauge to determine whether you’re sufficiently prepared for the new challenge.
Use your brain to your advantage by not letting negativity into your system. Sometimes, you just need to distract your mind for a while, so you can see the big picture and avoid fixating on negative thoughts.
Summary
Learn to use your brain to your advantage by looking forward to the long-term benefits of accepting change. It will never be easy, but once you’ve stepped outside of your comfort zone and on to greater things, you will thank your ‘past self’ for making the life-changing decision of embracing change. Know that adjustments need to be made so that you can fulfill your potential as an individual.
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Originally published at medium.com