By Karin Freeland
As the seasons shift here in Greenville, the scenery around us changes, offering a reminder that transition is a natural part of life. Whether it’s the cooling weather or the impacts of recent elections, many of us are facing changes in our lives that can feel significant, even overwhelming at times. Some changes are welcomed; others can feel unsettling, even if they’re for the better. And whether you initiated a change by finding a new, higher-paying job or it was thrust upon you via a layoff, there’s one universal truth: adapting can be challenging.
However, if I’ve learned one thing over the years, it’s that challenging doesn’t mean impossible! If you’re a business professional facing a pivot or major life shift, here are four mindset tips to help you embrace change with resilience and purpose.
1. Recognize that Change is Necessary for Growth
Think back to when you took on a new role or experienced a promotion that pushed you out of your comfort zone. Those moments may have felt uncomfortable, but they ultimately contributed to your growth, helping you gain new skills and confidence.
Adapting to change may not come naturally, but embracing it is essential for your success. I wish there were a way around it, but getting comfortable with discomfort is often the first step. Change is temporary though—eventually, it becomes your new normal. While it’s happening, you can remind yourself that the discomfort won’t last. Lean into this change with curiosity rather than resistance. Ask yourself: “What can this teach me? How might this help me grow?”
By choosing to see change as necessary for personal and professional growth, you are less likely to view it as a disruption. Instead, seeing it as an opportunity.
2. Avoid Romanticizing Your Past Situation
The past has a way of appearing rosier than it was, especially when the present feels uncertain. This tendency to idealize the past is a natural response from your brain, which craves comfort and familiarity. However, clinging to an idealized version of what once was can be a barrier to adapting to your current reality.
Consider this: that “better” past you’re recalling was likely filled with its own uncertainties and stressors. You adapted to those challenges, just as you’ll adapt now. When you catch yourself reminiscing, remind yourself that the past wasn’t perfect—and that the only way to move forward is to accept your present situation for what it is.
Rather than comparing today’s challenges to a glorified past, focus on building excitement for the opportunities ahead. Practice seeing the present as a stepping stone to an even brighter future. Let go of the urge to stay in “what was” and step fully into “what could be.”
3. Look for the Silver Lining
When change feels daunting, finding the positives—or the silver lining—can help you make peace with it. This mindset doesn’t ignore the challenges but rather helps you focus on the opportunities within the change.
Maybe your department is undergoing restructuring, and while that may feel stressful, it could open up new growth avenues for you or streamline work processes. Looking for the silver lining can also help you adapt faster. This mindset allows you to approach change with an open heart and mind, ready to discover how it might actually improve your life.
When you practice looking for the positives in any situation, you train your mind to handle life’s curveballs with optimism. Each small shift in your thinking reinforces a more resilient mindset, helping you navigate change more smoothly in the future.
4. Take Baby Steps
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when facing big changes, especially if they seem to require an immediate overhaul in your life. This is where the power of baby steps comes in. While it’s tempting to want to take control and tackle everything at once, it’s often better to ease into the transition, especially if you can control the pace of change.
Start with small, manageable steps that build your confidence over time. If you’re dealing with a change in responsibilities at work, focus on mastering one new task at a time before adding more to your plate. If you’re navigating a personal change, like starting a new fitness routine or learning a new skill, commit to small daily actions rather than overhauling your entire lifestyle at once.
Baby steps aren’t a way of avoiding change; they’re a way to make it feel less overwhelming. By taking things gradually, you give yourself the time to adapt, evaluate, and adjust. Celebrate each small step forward as a victory—it’s one more step toward making the change feel like your new normal.
The Upside of Embracing Change
Change is one of the few constants in life. In a climate where industries and career opportunities are ever-evolving, policies are changing, and technology is advancing, embracing change is a valuable skill. With these tips, you can build a mindset that not only tolerates change but actively welcomes it as an essential part of growth.
When you recognize that change is necessary, avoid romanticizing the past, look for the silver lining, and take small steps, you give yourself a strong foundation to manage any transition. Each of these strategies allows you to focus not on what’s ending but on what’s beginning.
Greenville is a city full of opportunity, and as our community changes and grows, so do the possibilities for each of us. Embrace the coming season with confidence and courage, knowing that you are capable of adapting and thriving. After all, change is where progress begins.
Karin Freeland is a certified Life Coach focused on helping women transform their careers and achieve their dreams by combining the lessons she learned in her 15 years in the corporate sector with her hundreds of hours coaching. Award-winning author of “Grab Life by the Dreams“ and podcast host of “Rock Your Reinvention,” learn more about her and her company Karin Freeland Coaching & Consulting, LLC at www.karinfreeland.com.
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