Change is a part of life, like eating and falling in love. It helps us evolve and empowers us with the experience we need to grow and become wiser.
Not all change is bad. Sometimes it’s the type of change we can control and manage.
Other times, it can be right down terrifying. This is when you have to find positive ways to deal with change.
Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading to find out how you can adapt to change in a positive and healthy way. Maybe you can even learn how to take advantage of it so things can work out in your favor.
1. Look for the Silver Lining
Life is all about ups and downs, highs, and lows. Otherwise, we’d either be happy all the time or miserable all the time, and who wants that?
One of the best things you can do when you’re dealing with change is to look for the silver lining. Every situation has something good or humorous about it. It’s up to you to make the effort and find it.
Looking on the bright side can help you see your problem from a whole new angle. Having that fresh perspective will allow you to cope with the change. Be optimistic and trust that something good will come out of it.
2. Focus On Your Values
When you know what your core values are, hardly anything that can make you feel weak. The first step is to define what your values are.
Ask yourself: what’s the most important thing to you? Is it Honesty? Loyalty? Efficiency? Financial security? Religion?
Make a list and hang it up somewhere you can see it every day. Having those values constantly in the back of your mind will help you stay strong. You’ll realize that you’re stronger than you think and that any type of change in your life can never break you.
3. Make Stress Your Friend
We’re living in a time and age where stress is talked about all the time. It’s the disease of the decade.
Yet, researchers are finding out that how we react to stress has a greater impact on our health than stress itself. You can choose to look at stress as this monster that’s out to get you. If you do, chances are, you’re at a higher risk of developing a stress-induced chronic disease, such as heart failure or Type-2 diabetes.
On the other hand, you can choose to look at stress as a dynamite cheerleading egging you on. With this mindset, you’ll be more capable of handling any situation you face. Another plus is that you’ll probably live longer.
Remember, stress isn’t out to get you. It can even be helpful if you ever decide to see it that way.
4. Accept What You Can’t Control
By accepting whatever happened in the past, you release all the bitterness and despair. You no longer feel like a victim that has been wronged. Rather, you begin to act like a strong individual who’s learning to cope.
It’s true that there are certain things we have no control over. So, it’s useless to spend hours worrying and fretting over something that you can’t change. Picking your battles means you’re a smart, adaptable person. It doesn’t mean you’re sticking your head in the sand.
Alternatively, there are things we most certainly have control over. Figure out what those are, then take action whenever possible. This way, you can say you have the freedom to choose how you wish to go on with your lives.
5. Embrace Change As An Integral Part Of Living
The sooner you realize that change is a normal part of living, the sooner you’ll be happier. Those who adapt to change can see all types of change—both good and bad—as part of being human. If you can adapt, you’ll be able to keep your work and personal life healthy and well-balanced.
In contrast, anyone who isn’t capable of adapting to change will always feel like a victim. The irony is that they’re the ones who are sabotaging their lives. They blame everyone and everything around them. They feel victimized, rather than face the change head-on and use it to their advantage.
Final Thoughts
With these five positive ways to deal with change, you’re ready for anything that comes your way. Sure, it might be a bit scary at first. After all, having a healthy dose of fear every once in a while will only make you stronger.
You can use all of the five ways we mentioned or just one. Whichever coping mechanism you choose, the one thing you must always do is accept. While we can’t escape the inevitability of change, we can control how we respond to it. And when you’re in control, you’ll be more resilient, more confident, and certainly a whole lot happier.
