Change. Just reading the word might make your shoulders tense up a little. If we take a step back, change isn’t inherently bad—it’s just... persistent. Instead of resisting it like a teenager cleaning their room, what if we embraced it as an opportunity?
Think of life like a great novel. The best stories don’t happen when everything is predictable, smooth, and neatly color-coded. They happen when the protagonist gets thrown into the deep end and is forced to figure things out. That’s when growth happens.
That’s when resilience is built. That’s when the hero rises! (Cue dramatic music.)
But when it comes to our own lives, we often wish for predictability. We want the same job, the same routines, the same coffee order from the same barista who knows exactly how much oat milk we like. Yet, deep down, we know that the best moments, the ones that change us in the most profound ways, come from those times we had to adapt, pivot, and redefine ourselves.
Now, I know we can apply this concept to the chaos of our country right now, but I would rather you hone in and focus on all of the other changes happening - mainly in the program. What opportunity could arise from these changes? It's a great time for some reflection.
Why Our Brains Hate Change (and How to Outsmart Them)
Biologically speaking, our brains love routine. Predictability makes the brain feel safe. It conserves energy, knowing exactly what’s coming next. When change disrupts that, our brain goes into full fight or flight mode, even if the change is something small, like your favorite retailer closing up shop (don't worry, they'll probably sell online).
The key here is recognizing that our brain’s resistance to change isn’t a logical evaluation—it’s just a knee-jerk reaction to uncertainty. So, how do we override this default setting?
We reframe. We shift the narrative from “Oh no, this is terrible” to “What if this is actually a good thing?” Think of it like a mental software update—our old programming tells us to resist change, but the upgraded version sees change as a feature, not a bug.
The Art of Reframing
Let’s get practical. Here’s how to start seeing change as an opportunity rather than a catastrophe:
1. From “Why is this happening to me?” to “What is this teaching me?”
Change often feels like a personal attack. A job loss, a sudden move, an unexpected shift in a relationship—it’s easy to throw our hands up and yell, “Why me?!” But what if we swapped frustration for curiosity? Instead of feeling like life is out to get us, we can ask: What skill am I gaining? What am I learning about myself? What door is opening because this one just closed?
2. From “This wasn’t part of the plan” to “Let’s see where this takes me”
Ah yes, the ever-elusive "Plan." The meticulously crafted roadmap we created for ourselves, complete with five-year goals, neatly outlined steps, and maybe even a color-coded spreadsheet. And then life chuckles and says, “Cute...now here's what I had planned…”
Here’s the thing: some of the best opportunities in life come from detours. Careers are made, relationships are found, and new passions are discovered in the moments we didn’t plan for. Treat change like an unexpected road trip—you might not end up where you expected, but you could land somewhere even better.
3. From “I don’t know what to do” to “I get to figure this out”
Uncertainty can be terrifying, but it can also be exhilarating. If we frame it as a burden, we’ll feel paralyzed. But if we frame it as an adventure, we suddenly reclaim power. Instead of thinking, “I’m lost,” try “I’m exploring.” Instead of “I have no idea what I’m doing,” try “I’m learning as I go.” No one ever built something great by knowing all the answers from the start.
4. From “I miss how things used to be” to “I’m excited for what’s next”
Nostalgia is sneaky. It makes the past seem shinier than it really was. We romanticize old jobs, old relationships, old routines—conveniently forgetting the challenges, stress, and frustrations that came with them. While honoring the past is important, we can’t live there. Change asks us to look forward, to dream about new possibilities, to create fresh experiences.
Remember, your teams watch you intently, even when you don't think they are paying attention. They are watching you for cues - your reactions, your emotions, and yes, your mindset. If you can model reframing, they will follow in stride.
Proof That Change = Opportunity
Still skeptical? Let’s look at some real-life proof that change can be the best thing that ever happened to someone:
J.K. Rowling was rejected by 12 publishers before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon. Imagine if she had given up on the first rejection.
Oprah Winfrey was told she wasn’t fit for television before becoming one of the most influential media personalities in history.
Steve Jobs was fired from his own company before coming back and revolutionizing the tech world.
If change (disguised as major challenge) hadn’t thrown these people off course, they wouldn’t have discovered their greatest opportunities.
Making Friends with Change
The truth is, change isn’t going anywhere. It’s here, lurking around every corner, ready to shake things up when we least expect it. But that doesn’t mean we have to treat it as the enemy.
Instead, what if we welcomed change like an old friend—one that sometimes annoys us but ultimately helps us grow? What if we trusted that every shift, every unexpected turn, every unplanned moment is leading us somewhere worthwhile?
Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. The choice? That’s all yours.
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