Embracing Change Like a Champ

One of the fastest ways to build confidence is to pursue mastery in: Embracing Change. Research shows us that the most successful leaders are exceptional in navigating change. The happiest people are great at it too. So what does that have to do with building confidence? Let’s discuss:

To best understand how embracing change plays into confidence building, let’s first start with what happens when you don’t naturally embrace change (that’s most people). Change is hard for most people because it innately means we have to leave what we know and go to what we don’t know. It is scary-new. All the “what-ifs” creep in between your ears. Change = uncertainty.

We all have a basic human need for certainty, it may surprise you that we also have a need for uncertainty that lies in variety. 

If you hold on to status quo and are not willing to change, you fail to grow. You fail to experience. You miss opportunity. You might, for example:

• Get stuck in a job that you hate because you’re afraid of being rejected in an interview process. Little do you know that your dream job awaits.
• Stay in a relationship that does not value you for your full worth just because you’re afraid of being alone. Little do you know that you can be leaving what’s crushing your confidence and going toward self love and eventually, the love of your life who honors everything about you.
• Refuse to try that new sport or activity in fear that you might not be great at it. Little do you know that with just a bit of practice, your hidden talent awaits. Or more likely, you have a ton of fun trying.
• Miss out on innovation or memorable experiences because it’s “not how it’s always been done.” Little do you know that learning this one new thing can save you infinite hours of precious time or enhance communication with everyone you know.

You get the idea. Just when you think you are holding on to what’s comfortable, you’ll need to know that those things may actually make you feel stuck. Less empowered. Less confident. 

Now let’s talk about the opposite side of the coin. Navigating change well is one thing, but how do you leverage that to actually build confidence? Start with the basic understanding of 2 things:

1. Change always brings uncertainty in what’s ahead. 
2. We’ve never had a crystal ball. The future has always been uncertain… not just during a pandemic and not when just when you are making difficult decisions.

With that out of the way, here’s what to DO when you see change, in order to build your confidence.

1. Instead of drifting aimlessly to just go with the flow, acknowledge the opportunity of the choices in front of you, even if they feel scary to you. Intentional perspective of these opportunities over time builds huge confidence.
2. Speaking of scary, get comfortable with those butterflies. The physiology behind your anxiety is the exact same physiology behind feeling thrill and excitement. You’ve been labeling it wrong up until now because the default was to call that feeling “scary.” Be intentional from now on and recognize that flutter and tightness of breath as the thrill of all the possibilities ahead. When you know what your body is actually telling you, you practically wink at yourself every time that feeling arises… and yes, you get super confident.
3. Decide. When you face choices and change, don’t get stuck trying to analyze for the “right” decision. Many times, your heart knows and you’ll get better at listening to that over time. But sometimes, you can only gather so much data and still not have the entire picture. When that happens, trust your own value system, your own ethos, and just do what you think is right. You’ll either be right or you’ll learn. Either way, you will not be stuck and you will grow confidence in these moments every time.
4. Move toward what you want. It is more powerful than moving away from what you don’t want. Repeat often and your humble confidence overflows.
5. Evaluate what you are really protecting. If you’re having trouble embracing change, take a deep look at the why behind your urge to stay in the status quo. Is it truly making your life safer, or are you missing out in an attempt to protect someone else’s feelings? Are you protecting yourself from what you think someone else might say or think if you embrace something new? Are you protecting your parent’s opinion of the path they think you should take? Are you protecting the comfort that is opposite of vulnerability? When you reflect and define this answer, your next move (or non-move) will become obvious.
6. Don’t just be ok with change… get excited about it! Where everyone else hesitates, you gain advantage and confidence when you run toward opportunity for whatever is next!

Remember, you have the power to change everything that is holding you back. Let us know how you are being intentional about embracing your own changes and building your own confidence, as well as those you lead.