For many people it is difficult to accept the changes. However, it must be kept in mind that personal growth involves accepting the fact that life is constantly changing. We may lose our jobs, the people we love, suddenly move or encounter other things that transform our lives, but such changes are only part of our life. We may not appreciate the way society or the community we live in changes, but we need to be able to face these transformations in a positive way. Fortunately, there are several ways to observe changes, manage them, and ultimately accept them.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Mentally Managing Change
Step 1. Accept what you are feeling in relation to what is changing
Whatever kind of change upsets you, accept what you are feeling emotionally. You won't be able to put it behind you if you ignore it and don't face it. If, on the other hand, you don't reject your reactions, it will be easier for you to grow and move forward.
- Express your feelings towards others, but in a polite way.
- If you've lost a loved one, give yourself a chance to mourn their passing.
- If you've lost your job, don't suppress anger and / or disappointment.
- If the community you live in is changing for the worse, share your thoughts with a friend.
Step 2. Realize that changes are inevitably a part of life
Before the time comes to accept them, learn that the old things go away giving way to new ones that will have to come. The whole history of the world and of humanity can be defined as a succession of changes, subjected to incessant development and evolution. They are part of life and existence, and often offer new opportunities, sometimes even profitable!
Step 3. Try to put the changes in perspective
It's easy to get overwhelmed by what's changing and lose control of your emotions, but you can gain a more positive outlook if you take some time to see the situation from the right perspective. For example, try the following strategies:
- Frame the situation. Ask yourself a few questions about how much is changing. For example, you might ask yourself: "Why do I get angry or worry about such a change?", "What do I fear will happen next?", "What I think and believe is true to reality?" By answering these questions, you will be able to understand if it is really worth worrying about what is changing.
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List the things you are grateful for in life. In addition to numerous other benefits, gratitude can help you live more peacefully, sleep better, and perhaps even overcome trauma. By showing all your appreciation, you will have the opportunity to face the most important changes in life.
Try to write down 10 things you feel grateful for every day. Enrich the list every day. You can start with the simplest things, like a place to sleep, food to eat, a hot shower, friends, family, etc. Then, as the list gets bigger and bigger, try to write down the smallest details, such as a beautiful sunset, a delicious cup of coffee or a chat with a friend on the phone
Step 4. Look on the bright side
While changes can negatively affect your life, in most cases there is always some positive side to be grasped. Use this approach to turn a loss or negative change into an opportunity or a way to rediscover the joy of living.
- If you have suffered the loss of a family member, think of all the family members who have left. Make this experience connect you even more to other family members.
- If you've lost your job, consider this episode as an opportunity to find a new job, pursue a new career, or devise a more satisfying way to support yourself.
- If you have separated from your partner, consider that there are various reasons behind your breakup and that both of you may be happier over time - you have a chance to find more fulfilling relationships.
Step 5. Try to understand why the changes upset you so much
It is difficult to adapt to changes and accept them if it is unclear why they generate severe discomfort or a sense of instability. By reflecting on it and looking inward, you will be able to understand yourself better and, as a result, you will be able to alleviate the anxiety related to change. Therefore, consider the following:
- Does the death of a loved one confront you with your human frailty?
- Do social changes give you a feeling of uncertainty and the impression that everything you know about the world is shattered?
- Does separation from your partner make you feel emotionally fragile and without any kind of support?
Step 6. Accept that man by nature is a dynamic being, endowed with adaptability
Try to see change as a challenge and an opportunity for growth. Remember that you are a strong and dynamic person and that you will be even stronger as a result of the changes you face. Also, keep in mind that the news can push you to reach your goals.
If you can, try using an unexpected event as an incentive. For example, if you lose your job, you could use this phase of change to find the right motivation to resume your studies or to pursue the career you have always dreamed of
Part 2 of 2: Take Action
Step 1. Manage the stress or discomfort of change by engaging in something that relieves the tensions you are under
You can use a number of tactics that will allow you to manage the stress and discomfort caused by the changes taking place in your life. The secret is to accept what is changing, but to try to deal with it in order to find peace and a sense of inner gratification.
- Practice yoga.
- Meditate.
- Play sports.
Step 2. Keep busy!
If you are going through a time when changes are negatively affecting your life, do not sit idle. If you find something to do, maybe working, building something, engaging in social work, not only will you be able to distract yourself, but you can also make a positive change in your life in the future.
- By keeping busy, you will have a chance to move on and think about other aspects of your life.
- You may even open yourself up to new opportunities.
- Passionate about a new hobby. Try something you've never done before! If you find pleasure in a new passion, you will be able to appreciate life after the change. You will be happy to take this opportunity!
Step 3. Talk about your problem
Tell others how much the changes upset you. Friends and loved ones may put themselves in your shoes or give you different opinions about the consequences of the changes that upset you. If you listen, they could provide you with a point of view that can change the way you have so far viewed the transformations that have affected your life and help you accept them.
Alternatively, you may find that other people also have a hard time coping with change. Realizing that there are those who live in a situation similar to yours, you may find the strength and determination necessary to accept the changes and move forward
Step 4. Make a list of the goals you intend to achieve in your life
To accept the changes, it is important to find a way to move on and think about the future. By looking forward, and especially to the future, you will be able to better deal with the past and accept it as something that had to happen in order for you to move forward. Think about:
- Finding a more satisfying job.
- Exercise and improve your health.
- Traveling and seeing new places.
Step 5. Try to build a better world
Accept the changes that make you uncomfortable and be determined to use your energies to make the world you live in even better. In this way, you will not only accept the transformations that are taking place, but you will reverse them by using them to fuel what, in your opinion, represents a truly positive change. Consider the following strategies:
- Volunteer for a cause you think is important.
- Helping someone you know who is in serious trouble.
- Adopt a pet that needs a family.
