Theme
Change
Love it or hate it, change is one of the most consistent things in life. For those who thrive on change, it brings welcome freshness and colour into our lives. Yet for those who struggle with it, change can be incredibly challenging. The good news is that with some intentionality, we can learn to accept change and eventually even embrace it.
To shift our response, one of the most helpful things we can do is to reflect on the limiting beliefs we hold around change. These might be something like, ‘I can only be okay if I am in control of my life,’ or, ‘I will never be peaceful in uncertain circumstances’. Once we’ve identified these problematic beliefs, we can then take steps to reframe them into ideas that support our belief in our ability to adapt.
If this is something that you find difficult, then check out the ‘Change’ theme in the Thinkladder app.
Insights from the ‘Change’ Theme
I refuse to waste this unwanted change – what can I learn from this situation that will improve my life in the future?
Practical tips for dealing with change:
Tips for if you are dealing with change:
Acceptance: Change is inevitable. Resisting it will only prolong the process and increase your stress. Embrace reality and focus on adapting to new circumstances.
Focus on what you can control: Change often comes with a sense of uncertainty. Instead of dwelling on what you can’t control, shift your focus to what you can, and take proactive steps in those areas.
Break it down into manageable steps: When faced with significant change, it can be overwhelming to think about the big picture. Breaking down the process into smaller pieces will make transitions more manageable. Focus on one step at a time, set realistic goals, and don’t forget to celebrate the small victories along the way.
Give yourself time: It takes time to adjust to change. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to adapt at your own pace. Be kind to yourself throughout the journey.
Don’t forget the basics
Take care of yourself: It’s crucial to look after your well-being, especially during transitional periods. Prioritise your mental, emotional and physical needs. Get enough rest, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and practise stress-management techniques.
Practise gratitude: It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during the process of change, but there are still ways to notice the positive. Taking time to be grateful supports your resilience and helps you keep a balanced perspective. If you find yourself stuck dwelling on the negative more than you’d like, practising gratitude is a great way to shift into a lighter headspace. Thinkladder has some helpful gratitude practices to start this process.
Seek support: Reach out to your support network for guidance and encouragement. Gain perspective by talking through your thoughts and feelings with trusted people. Draw strength from the connection, validation, and emotional support your loved ones offer. Consider seeking professional help if you’re struggling to cope with the change.
Use Thinkladder: Despite having its challenges, change is an opportunity for growth and learning. We all have the potential to adapt and thrive in new situations. Taking the time to re-evaluate your beliefs is the first step in unlocking that potential. Thinkladder can help you weed out unhelpful beliefs and find empowering alternatives.