EMBRACING CHANGE
Stepping out of our comfort zone, taking a different step, and trying something new often triggers a range of emotions, fluctuating between excitement and calm, or apprehension and fear. In life, there are certainly moments when we quickly adapt to change, perhaps with a stronger determination. However, it’s worth pausing to contemplate how easily and willingly we invite the concept of change into our lives.
Change is essentially about creating a difference in a situation, behavior, or perspective. It’s the decision to be more of a “listener” rather than talking more, trying a new restaurant instead of always opting for the familiar one, starting a job in a different sector or perhaps a new role, moving to a new city or country, acting differently than the usual when managing an emotional state, attempting to acquire and apply new leadership skills, and experiencing the moments where we encounter the thresholds of change, whether they are small or significant, in our lives.
The journey of change sometimes begins by perceiving it as “necessary” due to external factors that shape it. The voice of the “complainer” inside us can become more pronounced because of external triggers that initiate change. Conversely, when the internal need and desire become so dominant, we may realize that the cost of not changing is higher than enduring the current situation, and we initiate change personally by saying, “enough is enough!” Whether driven by internal or external factors, there exists a need and a desire, triggered by the system, relationship, or individual, that invites change.
In both cases, stepping out of the familiar is like swimming in waters of unknown depth. However, shallow or familiar waters often feel comfortable and safe. Like the protagonist of the Iranian author Samad Behrangi’s book “The Little Black Fish,” who lived in a river but was curious about the great seas, a part of us wants to venture, grow, and explore. Exploration isn’t just about discovering new places. In my view, it’s about pushing the boundaries we’ve set for ourselves (or that have been imposed upon us), seeing how far we can muster the courage to go, experiencing despite fear, and dreaming of how things could be different, all while holding onto hope. Change is also a transformational journey. It’s the story of one’s transformation as they grapple with doubts, face challenges, try, give up, and then try again, all while contending with both inner and outer voices.
In studies related to neuroscience, the need for “certainty” is described as one of our brain’s primary needs. It explains why we tend to avoid dealing with the “uncertainty” that comes with decisions for change. Even experienced leaders, when making a decision to change a behavior or attitude, often feel anxious about the uncertainty of how others will react to the “new” behavior or attitude. They may quickly revert to their familiar habits because they feel more secure in the comfort of the “old” way of doing things. In this context, I believe that expressing the reasons and significance of the need for change and doing so in an open and honest manner can facilitate the process.
Furthermore, managing change involves an internal struggle, and dealing with the influences of the outside world requires a steadfast attitude. During this process, friends, companions, partners, team members, or family can provide significant support. Despite all these, the journey of change is one where the individual sits in the driver’s seat. Internal motivation and determination involve continuing to take even small steps, persevering through setbacks, and celebrating oneself even before reaching the ideal state, creating the difference.
Change comes to life when we cross the threshold from the familiar, known, and well-defined world to the unknown, uncertain, and perhaps complex world. Most notably, the stirring of our emotions signals that we are at this threshold. Feelings of anxiety, apprehension, enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement, along with physical sensations like a knot in the stomach, trembling knees, or butterflies in the stomach, all carry messages that change is beginning on the journey towards the unfamiliar and the extraordinary.
The true place where fulfillment and inner satisfaction increase is described as the “growth zone.” Just like the saying “Life begins outside your comfort zone,” we learn, grow, and develop as we experience change. The growth zone is that beautiful place where we meet ourselves, our purpose, our dreams, the person we aspire to be, and the qualities we wish to manifest. Change activates every dimension of our existence, liberating us from the limitations in our minds, teaching us how to manage emotional ups and downs, and rekindling our intention to listen to the call that comes from deep within our essence.
I believe that any kind of change journey in life, whether big or small, not only has an impact on our external world but, more importantly, points towards internal growth and expansion. Inviting change is like opening a door to new areas of growth and development. It’s like having a traveling companion as we journey along the path, and at the end of it, we can celebrate the new opportunities for change and growth.
From the list that begins with ‘I wish…’ we can choose the nearest and easiest one and take a small step towards it. Starting with ourselves, as Mahatma Gandhi beautifully said, ‘Be the change you want to see,’ is the best approach!”
