How To Navigate Change
Updated: Feb 22, 2024
Written by: Elizabeth Olujimi, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Every day, life presents us with opportunities for change. As individuals, we are constantly changing to adapt to the various life cycles we are going through. Our surroundings and environments are also changing regardless of whether we can physically see it or whether we choose to acknowledge it. There are changes that happen in life which we need to initiate; there are also changes that automatically happen and changes that are out of our control. Look around you today, is everything exactly as it was a week ago? Are you the same as you were last week?
It goes without saying that change is a necessary part of life, and it is important for us to learn to embrace change and navigate our way through it.
Be Flexible
We all like things done in a particular way, but sometimes life doesn’t always go the way we want, so when situations around us change, we need to learn to adapt to the changes. In addition, we need to be conscious of the fact that the people around us are also experiencing changes, and we all deal with change differently. If we are to get along with those around us, we need to be flexible during times where significant changes are occurring.
Look Beyond Today
Sometimes, we are reluctant to embrace change because we do not see the bigger picture. We are only looking at it today. Yet, the changes we make today can have an impact on our future; sometimes, this impact is life-changing. If we are taking responsibility and initiating the change, it should be from the perspective of a better tomorrow.
Check Your Attitude
What is your attitude to the changes that are happening around you and the changes that you are implementing? Your attitude will be evident in your words and actions or lack of action. In life, when you want to grow beyond where you are, you must develop an attitude that embraces change because growth doesn’t happen unless the change occurs. For the changes we can’t control, our attitude will determine how long the process of change will take to occur.
Be Kind To Yourself And Those Around You
Sometimes change can be painful, and it leaves a lot of unanswered questions and feelings of inadequacy, for example, when a loved one passes away. Such moments are never easy, but it is necessary to be kind to yourself, slow down, and embrace the change. This might mean asking for help where you are struggling, being patient, and surrounding yourself with the right people. At times, because we are going through frustrating changes, it affects the way we relate with others, and we automatically assume they know how we feel, and they share in our pain but, they don’t, so we need to be kind to those around us regardless of what we are going through.
Keep Your Uniqueness
There are some changes that we experience, and we lose ourselves in the moment, almost as if we are hiding behind a veil and we have no voice. Don’t allow the changes happening in you and around you to rob you of your uniqueness. Whatever change happens, take time to rediscover your uniqueness and shine with it.
Elizabeth Olujimi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Elizabeth Olujimi is a Coach, Speaker, Mentor, Wife, Mother, and Pastor. She is known as the Thriving Coach who helps women in their journey of self-discovery, confidence building, personal growth, and achieving their goals and dreams so that they can thrive in life. She is the CEO of Dare To Believe Coaching Ltd, and her mission is to see women transition from surviving to thriving. She has spoken on virtual stages, inspiring women and young people to maximize their potential. Elizabeth is also a Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team and has published articles for the Luminous Wisdom SOPHIA magazine.
