Do you know that many of us fear the unknown? We’d rather remain unhappy than being in a state of uncertainty.
Studies show that our brains seem to register uncertainty as if it were a mistake that has to be righted. This is why we feel discomfort when we’re facing change of any kind, both good and bad.
Because we know how stressful change can be, we rounded up five negative ways to deal with change. These are all examples of what not to do when you’re dealing with change.
1. Forgetting To Set Aside Time For Yourself
We’re good at knocking ourselves down when we’re at our lowest. Dealing with change at home or at work is hard. All that stress and anxiety can prevent you from eating or sleeping well. This is why it’s important that you set aside some me-time.
Treat yourself as you would a friend at work or a family member going through the same situation. Be kind to yourself, while showing compassion and empathy when you need it the most.
Create a self-care plan so you can take care of your physical health. Start exercising regularly, cut back on processed foods, and get some quality sleep.
Mental and emotional health are both just as important. Why not try to do some journaling or mindfulness meditation? These techniques reduce stress and help you focus on the present moment, which you have total control over.
2. Focusing On Your Emotions, Not The Problem
You’re facing a battle with a new, prominent competitor at work. What do you do? One option is to call all your friends and complain about all the things you’ve had to put up with at work, least of all this new nuisance.
Or you can acknowledge your anxiety and concern to one or two friends. Then, you pull out a sheet of paper and draw up a strategic plan.
In the first option, the main focus was on the emotions caused by the change. While it’s healthy to talk about our feelings, too much of anything tends to blow up in our faces sooner or later.
The second option is the one that will get better results in the long run. Your focus should be on the problem, how to bypass it, and what good can come of it.
That’s how successful people deal with change in their lives. They know it’s not the first nor the last tidal wave that they’ll have to face. So, they make a point of turning it into a learning opportunity. Win or lose, they come out on top.
3. Not Knowing What Your Beliefs Are
Think of change as a thunderstorm. There’s rain, lightning, and maybe some high winds. It’s uncomfortable and disrupts your way of life.
Yet, this storm brings with it many benefits. The trick is deciding what you’d like to focus on: the good or the bad.
One way to help you decide is by knowing what your core values and beliefs are. Nothing can ever change who you are as an individual and what’s important to you.
4. Failing To Accept What You Can’t Control
Many of us feel lost and overwhelmed when we feel out of control. We panic and act like deer in headlights.
This has more to do with the fear of losing control than with the control itself. We’re afraid that we won’t be able to cope with the change. We only see the negative effects of the situation, rather than take advantage of the new opportunities the change can bring about.
Change is everywhere. Sometimes we know it’s coming, other times it takes us by surprise. Learning how to find new meaning in your life after the change can help you adapt in a healthier way. As a result, you’ll uncover new opportunities where you can shine and succeed.
5. Acting Like A Victim
Sometimes, it’s easier to lay blame left and right. It’s less complicated to play the role of the victim, instead of summoning up the strength you need to stand up in the face of change.
When things don’t go the way, we want them to, we blame others, like our colleagues at work or family members. Sometimes, we even blame things that have nothing to do with our situation, like traffic or the rain.
Yet, what many don’t realize is that when dealing with change, you should always be on the defensive. It’s probably the one time where being defensive is a good thing.
Stop feeling victimized. Take charge of your life and think things through rather than rush into a decision you may regret later on. And remember, this, too, shall pass.
Final Thoughts
So, even though change is inevitable, it doesn’t have to be all bad. You can teach yourself how to adapt to it, even when the change is out of your control.
It’s also just as important to look at things from a different angle. Only then will you realize there are always gains and losses whenever there’s change.
Try to avoid the five negative ways to deal with change that we listed in our post. They’ll only stand in the way of your accomplishments and force you to become a more stressed-out version of yourself.
