Ever feel like your life is stuck in a rut and change feels like climbing a mountain? I've definitely been there. For years I battled habits that were dragging me down. I was overweight stuck in cycles of binge eating gaming too much and just feeling lazy. Change felt impossible. But here's the good news: it's not. It just takes a different approach.
Change is one of those things in life that’s pretty much guaranteed. Sometimes we choose it sometimes it chooses us. Either way it can be unsettling right? It’s like being asked to walk a new path in the dark. But what if we could learn to not just deal with change but to actually embrace it? What if change could be the very thing that helps us grow stronger and build a better life?
I know it sounds easier said than done. When I first decided I needed to overhaul my life losing over 110 pounds and ditching a ton of unhealthy habits the thought was terrifying. But bit by bit I learned that facing change head-on is far less scary than staying stuck.
So how do we do it? How do we make friends with change? Here are a few things that have really helped me.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s totally normal to feel anxious resistant or even sad when things change. Don’t try to ignore these feelings or tell yourself you "shouldn't" feel that way. Instead just acknowledge them. Say to yourself "Okay I'm feeling a bit worried about this new situation." Naming it takes away some of its power. Trying to suppress emotions just makes them pop up stronger later.
Start Incredibly Small
When I wanted to lose weight the idea of completely changing my diet and exercising felt overwhelming. So I didn't. My first step was just drinking one less sugary drink a day. That’s it. Big changes are just a series of tiny steps. Want to build a new habit? Don't aim for an hour. Aim for five minutes. These small wins build momentum and make the bigger picture feel less daunting.
Know Your "Why"
Why do you want or need this change? What's the deeper reason? Is it for your health your family your peace of mind or maybe your faith? When things get tough and your motivation wanes remembering your "why" can be a powerful anchor. For me a big part of my "why" became about living a life that felt more purposeful and aligned with what I believe God wants for me. This strong reason helped me push through many difficult moments.
Reframe Your Perspective
Our brains are wired to see change as a threat sometimes. But what if we consciously try to see it as an opportunity? An opportunity to learn something new to grow stronger to discover a different path. Ask yourself: "What good could come from this? What can I learn here?" This shift in thinking can make a huge difference.
Create Simple Routines
When everything around you feels chaotic a simple routine can be incredibly grounding. It doesn't have to be complicated. Maybe it's starting your day with a quiet moment of prayer or reflection. Or having a set time for a short walk. I found that creating a routine of short focused work sessions helped me stay productive even when other parts of my life felt uncertain. Structure provides a sense of control.
Seek Wise Support
You don’t have to go through change alone. Talk to trusted friends family members or a spiritual guide. Choose people who are supportive understanding and offer sound advice. Sometimes just talking things through with someone who gets it can make all the difference. Steer clear of people who just add to the negativity or confusion.
Celebrate Every Small Win
This is a big one. When you make even a tiny bit of progress acknowledge it. Pat yourself on the back. Did you choose the healthier snack? Awesome. Did you stick to your new five-minute routine? Fantastic. These little celebrations reinforce positive behavior and keep you motivated. When I was losing weight every pound lost was a win. Every day I avoided an old bad habit was a victory. It keeps your spirits up.
Be Patient and Kind to Yourself
Change is rarely a straight line. There will be good days and bad days. There will be setbacks. That’s okay. It’s part of the process. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up or if things aren’t progressing as quickly as you’d like. Treat yourself with the same compassion you’d offer a good friend. Just pick yourself up and keep going.
Learn from Setbacks
Instead of viewing a setback as a total failure try to see it as a learning opportunity. What happened? What triggered the slip-up? What can you do differently next time? Every experience good or bad can teach us something if we’re open to it. This mindset helped me understand my triggers for binge eating or laziness and develop better coping strategies.
Anchor Yourself in Something Constant
For me my Christian Orthodox faith has become an incredible source of strength and stability especially during times of change. Knowing there’s something unchanging and true something bigger than myself gives me peace and perspective. Whatever your constant might be – your core values your deepest beliefs or your connection with God – lean on it. It provides an anchor when the seas of life get rough.
Embracing change isn’t about pretending you’re not scared or that it’s always easy. It’s about facing those feelings moving forward anyway and trusting that you have the strength to adapt and grow. It’s a journey not a destination and I’m still learning every single day.
So what about you? Is there a change you’ve been resisting or feeling anxious about? What’s one tiny step you could take today to start facing it with a little more openness?
