If you’re reading this, clearly you’re going through the stage of life when everything changes and you might be overwhelmed by it. Some changes in life happen so slowly we barely notice them and how we evolve. But sometimes life catches us off guard when we least expect it or are not prepared for it fully just yet.
Fear of change is a common fear that many people experience when facing new situations or unfamiliar experiences. It can manifest in a variety of ways, such as anxiety, avoidance, and procrastination. You may be afraid of change because you are unsure of the outcome or are reluctant to leave the comfort of your current situation. However, it is important to remember that change can often lead to new opportunities and experiences that may be beneficial in the long run.
Here are the main ways to overcome your fear of change.
Practice to avoid worst-case scenarios in your head
Oftentimes, when we don’t know what will happen, we play the worst-case scenarios in our heads by default. Instead, you can try to practice and ask yourself: “What can possibly go wrong?”
Come up with a list of possible hurdles on your way to a successful outcome when it comes to changes in your life. For example:
What if I move to a different city, run out of money fast and won’t be able to find the job quickly?
Sounds scary and unpredictable, but once you come up with a solution for a problem before it even appears, you know it’s not a scary thing anymore.
I can work it out by selling stuff I don’t use often and get money that I need.
I can try different sources to search for a job and apply for jobs that don’t need prior experience and don’t represent my usual field of work as well.
Once you know how to act on those things that keep you awake at night, you will be ready to overcome the fear and approach change rationally.
Embrace change and vulnerability
Being vulnerable puts you in a place where you can face your fears. You accept the fact that you may not have control over everything, but you can manage and overcome any circumstances in your life. When you are able to welcome change with all the good and the bad things that it brings in your life, you can regain the inner power again. Change can be scary, but it also brings opportunities for growth and progress.
Change your life gradually
You don’t have to change everything at once. For example, you may have many aspects of your life that will require change — from choosing your major, to finding the right job or the right partner for a lifetime. Sounds overwhelming, right? Especially when you concentrate on all of these changes at the same time. Instead, break things down into smaller pieces. There’s no need to rush when the stakes are high and the amount of change in life is making you feel uncomfortable. Changing your life step by step without a rush is the best-case scenario, but usually it brings the best results.
Know your “why”
By defining your purpose, you can if not conquer your fear of change, then at least diminish it. The change will be worth it only if you know why you’re doing it. It has to be your desire, not someone else’s. For example, if you have to choose the university where you want to study and your parents are pushing you towards a variant you are not happy with – it will not bring you happiness in the long run. If you don’t know what you want, then any decision can be scary as well as pointless. Try to be as open and honest with yourself as you can. Do you really want it? What is it that you want and why?
It’s human nature to fear change. After all, it’s unfamiliar and can be unpredictable. But change isn’t always bad. In fact, it can often be a positive thing that opens up new possibilities and opportunities for you. It’s important to remember that while change can be difficult, it can also be a source of growth and improvement.