Written by: Erin Ekman, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
How will you create certainty for yourself and the people around you during times of change? Remember, change is inevitable. You get to choose whether you embrace it or resist it. Learning what you have control over, and what you do not, will lessen the discomfort (and even suffering) associated with change.
If you haven’t done so already, please read our article on Two Mindsets To Help You Embrace Change before continuing on reading this article to learn more about the power of embracing a Change Mindset.
4 Ways to Develop a Change Mindset
Now that you know what a change mindset is and the benefits of embracing change, here are four ways you can learn how to build a Change Mindset.
Practice No1. Connect to memories of positive change
Our brains are built to avoid experiences that are uncertain and reinforce our desire to have experiences that are predictable ‒ all in the name of energy conservation. A brain that is built on repetitive, predictable experiences is more efficient as it utilizes less energy (glucose) to keep following the existing neural pathways than to build new ones. Our brain will even go as far as ignoring the evidence that new experiences, spontaneous events and change can be energizing, fun and downright good for us. It is with an intentional reflection that we can remind that primal part of us that seeks safety, that everything is going to be ok, and potentially even great.
Reflective Practice: Take a few moments to reflect (and journal) on the following questions:
Where has change been a positive force in your life?
What perspective did you have at the time that allowed you to embrace change/trust in the change that was happening?
What did you learn about you, others because of this unexpected/expected change in your life?
Practice No 2. Reduce uncertainty and recognize where you have control
What I've learnt from 13 years of working as an executive and leadership coach, is that the most painful part of change is accepting uncertainty; how long will this last, can I make it through, what will happen to my job, my income, my family, my health, etc etc.
Uncertainty can cause us to spin and grasp for control ‒ we seek for an anchoring point to feel secure amidst the storm.
While it is natural to seek this anchor, we often seek it in unhealthy and destructive ways. Ever notice yourself micromanaging others at work because your home life feels out of control? Are you guilty of obsessing that the front hall closet isn’t perfectly in order when you are not sure if your organization is going to downsize your department? We all want to feel a sense of control over our lives, but if left unchecked, we may overcompensate in places where it is unnecessary to control the outcome, and sometimes detrimental to our health or the relationships around us.
What if we could create certainty internally?
Reflective Practice: Take a few moments to reflect (and journal) on the following questions:
What can you control in your life right now?
Is this really true?
Is this compensating for a lack of control in other areas of your life?
Where can you create certainty (internally)?
What do you know about who you are and what you can count on yourself for no matter what?
Practice No 3. Keep it simple and don't overload
We all have what is called “change capacity”, the ability to manage a maximum number of changes at once- before diminishing returns and negative consequences kick in.
It is vital that you know and respects your limits ‒ notice how you are feeling and the quality of your thoughts while you are in a phase of change. How are you sleeping? How quickly are you reacting to situations you wouldn’t otherwise react to?
This is a time for boundary setting.
Reflective Practice: Take a few moments to reflect (and journal) on the following questions:
What can you reduce in your life right now to simplify and create space for transition?
What will you say yes to? (What is most important, what will keep you healthy, grounded and at your best? What will “move the needle” on actions you need to take?)
What will you say no to?
Remember, these don’t have to be no/yes forever. Just for now.
Practice No 4. Build Hope
Challenging and uncertain times call for vision. We can endure, navigate and overcome anything when we have a clear and compelling vision for the future ‒ something that pulls us forward even when the next steps are uncertain.
Reflective Practice: Take a few moments to reflect (and journal) on the following questions:
What inspiring vision of the future will be worth the uncertainty and change you are navigating now?
How would you describe yourself in this future vision?
What do you have?
What do you know?
How do you feel?
When we practice a mindset that embraces change as an opportunity for growth and renewal we reduce our suffering and need for control and certainty. You can build a mindset that strengthens your resiliency and build hope for a bright and joy-filled future.
Are you navigating change or a transition in your life? We are here to support you on your journey to finding confidence and clarity. Connect with us at info@centrivity.ca, visit our website or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Erin Ekman, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Erin is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF), and the principal facilitator and leadership consultant with Centrivity Inc. She has worked in coaching and leadership development since 2009 and holds a Professional Co-Active Coach Certification (CPCC) from the Coaches Training Institute. Erin is passionate about developing people and teams as they actively move towards their personal and professional goals, and partnering with organizations that recognize that their people are their greatest asset and pathway to long-term success.
