Facing Change Part II

The beginning of a new year often brings with it changes …wanted or un-wanted, as well as resolutions. Since we all face change, here are some things to consider:

Change: Article II

Why the Resistance?

Why do we instinctively resist change?

One of the powerful motivations to resist change is that it represents loss of control. Change is often thrust upon us by others or by circumstances. This generates a feeling of loss of self-determination. We are no longer in control. Some external force is moving us. Sometimes the direction it is moving us has no interest for us. We feel powerless to change it. This is not a comfortable place to find ourselves.

We can resist change because it brings up the specter of uncertainty. Fear raises its ugly head and gut tightening emotions follow. We don’t know where we are heading and can’t predict what is coming. How will we cope? Can we fit into the new reality? Will we be safe there? What will we need to know and do in the new reality? All these questions are fearful.

Change often creates fear when it happens suddenly. We lack information about how the change will affect our day-to-day life and our future security. When change happens suddenly, and we have little information or input, we are not a party to the change, nor do we have any power in determining when, how, or to whom the change will be applied. We are pawns, moved on the chessboard of life by an unseen or misunderstood hand.

What if the change creates a whole new normal? We have learned to function in the world as we know it. Change could create a matrix in which we are confused and powerless. We cannot evaluate the new normal, and our place in it. We must examine the new normal. Will it benefit us? How will it affect our family and our future? Is the new normal just a change for change sake? Some change will create a new normal, and with it, stress.

We fear change because we are uncertain of our status after the change. We have to determine whether we should expect a higher or lower position after the change. Will it be beneficial, status quo, or detrimental? In the light of these uncertainties, resistance to change can be expected.

Not all, but certainly some change can be expected to bring about a redefinition of competence. Having invested time, energy and money in achieving competence, change represent a giant question mark. Will our skill and knowledge transfer? Can we adapt to new conditions? Will we excel in new circumstances? Will we be obsolete, outdated and unsustainable? Resistance to this uncertainty of competence should be expected and may be justified.

Perhaps we are just tired. Adapting to changing conditions requires mental and physical energy. Just making the effort to assimilate into new circumstances seems exhausting. The very process of changing upsets the rhythms of our day and may even change the direction of our lives.

Let us address a big factor. Just as a small pebble dropped into a still pond creates a ripple that crosses the water and creates waves upon the shore, a change affects all it touches. Family, health, housing, security, everyone and everything feel the affect. Will they adapt and prosper? Is it fair to subject them to change? Should resistance be mounted to maintain the status quo for the sake of those secondarily affected by it?

We can fear change because past experiences with changes have left us with negative reactions. Changing schools might have been traumatic and sad. Family changes left us with life-long trauma. Job changes resulted in loss of status, physical discomfort and emotional struggle. Despite any good baggage from past experiences, change is still uncertain in its outcome, and fodder for resistance.

Change may result in very real physical trauma. The effort to physically move locations might result in back injury, loss of a treasured doctor or family support, or emotional debilitation that extends to our physical life. New job conditions may prove uncomfortable and adapting to them can require physical involvement.

Given all the potential justifications for resisting change, why would anyone seek it or even try to adapt to it? Resistance seems like a normal reaction. What mental tools can be applied to manage, or at least mitigate the effects of change? The first step in dealing with change is recognizing resistance. Why does it represent an avoidance situation? Consider the elements that have been mentioned. Do one or more resonate with you and your change situation?

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Article III will look at both the types of change, why we resist change and some typical ways we address change.

Article IV Suggests some common tools for dealing with change and a summary of how to successfully deal with the stress of change.

Articles III and IV will be published in the next few days.

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The basic thrust of this examination is to look at change through the eyes of the fear it causes and the resistance it encourages. Coming out on the other side of change is possible and life changing. One size does not fit all when dealing with change. True to the philosophy of “A Place for the Eye to Rest”, this article does not seek to cover all the facets of change nor hope to answer all the questions and challenges that change creates. It is a jumping off place to begin your own journey with change.