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Why do we hate change?

  • Writer: Nelia Steyn
    Nelia Steyn
  • Apr 5, 2023
  • 4 min read

Change is a funny thing. It’s something that we all know is inevitable, yet we still hate it. We resist it, we fight it, and we do everything in our power to avoid it. But why is that? Why do we hate change so much? Is sit because we’re creatures of habit, or is it because we’re just plain stubborn? Well, I’m here to tell you that the answer is simple: we hate change because it’s a pain in the butt.


Think about it…change requires effort. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones and try something new. It requires us to adapt to new situations and learn new skills. And let’s be honest, who has time for that? We’re all busy enough as it is, and the last thing we need is more work and effort.


But it’s not just the effort that we hate. It is also the uncertainty. When things change, we do not know what’s going to happen next. We don’t know if we’re going to like the new situation or the new me it requires. We start wondering if we might be worse off than we were before. We don’t know if we’re going to succeed or if we’re going to fail miserably.


Change is a constant force that shapes our experiences and influences our decisions. However, despite its inevitability, many people struggle with change. Whether it is a change in their personal life or a change in their professional life, the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming.


One of the primary reasons why people struggle with change is fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and fear of losing control are all common fears that people experience when faced with change. When we are comfortable with our current situation, the thought of disrupting that comfort can be terrifying. We may worry that we will not be able to handle the new situation or that we will not be able to adapt to the changes. This fear can be paralysing and prevent us from taking the necessary steps to move forward.


Another reason why people struggle with change is a lack of confidence. When we are faced with a new situation, we may doubt our abilities to handle it. We may feel that we are not equipped with the necessary skills or knowledge to succeed in the new environment. This lack of confidence can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, which can further hinder our ability to adapt to the changes.


Additionally, people may struggle with change because of a lack of support. When we are going through a significant change, having a support system can make all the difference. However, if we do not have people in our lives who can offer us guidance and encouragement, we may feel isolated and alone. This can make it difficult to navigate the changes and can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stress.


Finally, people may struggle with change because of a lack of understanding. When we do not fully understand the reasons behind the changes, it can be challenging to accept them. We may feel that the changes are unnecessary or that they are being imposed upon us without our consent. This can lead to feelings of resentment and resistance, which can further hinder our ability to adapt to the changes.


Briefly how do I deal with change?


1. Acknowledge and accept it. Change can be difficult to accept, especially if it is unexpected or unwanted. However, it is essential to acknowledge that change is happening and to accept it as a natural part of life. This can help us to move past any feelings of denial or resistance and begin to focus on adapting to the new situation.


2. Take time to reflect on the change. Reflection can help us to understand the reasons behind the change and to identify any opportunities that may arise from it. It can also help us to process any emotions that we may be feeling, such as fear or sadness. Taking time to reflect can help us to gain clarity and perspective, which can be helpful when navigating the changes.


3. Seek support from others. Change can be isolating, and it can be helpful to have a support system in place. This can include friends, family, or colleagues who can offer guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. Seeking support can help us to feel less alone and can provide us with the resources we need to adapt to the changes.


4. Focus on the positives. Change can be challenging, but it can also bring new opportunities and positive experiences. By focusing on the positives, we can shift our mindset from one of fear and resistance to one of optimism and growth. This can help us to approach the changes with a more positive attitude and to see them as opportunities for personal and professional development.


5. Act. Once we have acknowledged and accepted the changes, reflected on them, sought support, and focused on the positives, it is time to act. This may involve planning for how to adapt to the changes, setting goals, or taking steps to move forward. By acting, we can begin to feel more in control of the situation and can start to make progress towards our goals.


So, there you have it. We hate change because it’s a pain in the butt, it requires effort, it’s uncertain and it’s scary. Change is necessary because without it we would never grow, we would stay stuck, and we would never learn new things. So, as much as we hate it, we need it. We need to embrace it, we need to adapt to it, and we need to learn from it. Change is what makes life interesting!


 
 
 

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