Paradox of Change

Paradox of Change by Janet Shlaes, Ph.D.

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

~ Socrates

Change Process

Change is the only constant in life. Everyone has their characteristic pattern of working with change – some actively embrace and seek out change and some tend to deny or resist change in an attempt to maintain the status quo. I tend to have an ambivalent relationship with change; although I inevitably appreciate the results on the other side of change, the journey itself can be quite challenging.
Change can be internally or externally generated in most any life arena. Even when you choose to make a change in your life – work, relationships, residence, etc. – the process is often surprisingly challenging. Internally generated change can include taking on a new role, relationship, status, skill or mindset. Externally generated change, also known as "stuff happens," is generated from someone or something outside of yourself.

Change Elements

Change incorporates elements of the past, present and future. Though your past might not have been ideal, it was all that you knew at the time. Once the change process is set in motion, your initial experience is that of living between worlds. Your old world or way of being in the world no longer works and you are not yet ensconced in the new. This space between the past and the future often feels disorienting, illogical, unnatural, surreal and highly uncomfortable. The good news is that this transition space is a temporary one. Although you might feel stuck and unmotivated, a lot is happening internally to prepare you for your new reality on the other side of change.

When you’re in the between place inherent in the change process , seeking out and engaging support from friends, family and trusted others will significantly ease your journey to the other side of the change. Through your intention, actions and faith in getting through the challenge of change, you can create a bridge from the old to the new via taking actions that move you forward. When you're able to mobilize your trust to take the next step, subsequent next steps tend to miraculously unfold. 

Although moving through change can feel a bit daunting at times, it’s definitely worth the effort. What is your characteristic approach to change?

Janet

For addition insights and observations, check out the following posts:

Learn Something New
Embracing "Good Enough"
Doing and Being