The old saying “the only thing constant is change” has never been more true than today. Constant, forward movement is a natural cycle of life, and change is purposeful as it allows us to grow and evolve.
Change can be healthy. Change can be exciting. Change can also be disturbing.
Certainly there are areas of life where we enjoy change – we don’t eat the same thing for dinner every night, and most of us don’t wear the same clothes every day. And there are natural events, like the changing of the seasons which we embrace. Change can provide positive lessons and opportunities for personal growth. We can accept challenges to do things we have never tackled, learn from our experiences, and possibly master some new skills. We can take risks that push us and expand awareness of our personal desires, fears, limitations and potential.
Here are some of the benefits of change:
- Alters our perspective,
- Offers a learning opportunity,
- Shifts our focus and our energy,
- Challenges us to think differently,
- Causes us to get outside our comfort zone,
- Provides new, or improved tools or methods,
- Helps us think outside the box and find creative solutions,
- Alters outworn (or ineffective) habits or patterns,
- Adds excitement to our otherwise predictable life.
If there are so many benefits to change then why do many of us resist? Sometimes it is as simple as the fact that we are comfortable and secure with a situation where we know exactly what to expect. Because change can cause extra work and instability, it disturbs the status quo and can play on our fears or trigger insecurities associated with transitions or unknowns, until we can establish a comfortable routine again.