Embracing Change

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tracey Buechler
  • 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Are you afraid of change? Most people are.  Every day we experience change in our lives and we certainly can't hide from it.  We learn and grow from changes, that's what makes the world go around.  With all of the Air Force and day-to-day life changes, learning to deal with change must be one of our biggest priorities.

Some ways to successfully embrace change is to not be afraid of change.  Fear is almost always associated with change. People are afraid of the unknown and get uncomfortable.  By expressing that fear, you can be more in control and get through the change more easily.  Sometimes people get set in their ways and become more risk adverse, not willing to make changes.  If you are not taking risks, then that in itself is taking a risk.  You are not allowing yourself to grow personally and professionally. Complacency kills.  Benjamin Franklin said, "When you're finished changing, you're finished."

Another way to deal with change is to consciously be aware of your relationship to change.  Many of us are creatures of habit and change can be unsettling.  Many people deal with change out of reaction, necessity and survival.  Knowing how you handle change and what stresses you out about it can help you prepare for it.  By refining your relationship to change, it can make you more successful and peaceful when dealing with it.

Additionally, getting support during changes is always a great idea.  Change is always easier to deal with when you have help.  By talking with people who have been through similar experiences, change will come easier to you.  People hesitate to ask for help thinking it's a sign of weakness, but as Mike Robbins says "The answer is always 'no' if you don't ask."  Most people also enjoy the opportunity to help someone in need when given the chance.

Looking for the good in change will also make change come easier.  There is always good in every change, even the hardest most difficult ones.  When dealing with positive changes, finding the good comes easy, but when dealing with negative ones, the good is harder to find.  Identifying blessings, gifts and growth opportunities can help get you through the more negative changes and help you grow in the process.

Embracing change has a lot to do with attitude.  Attitude is everything.  People and businesses can succeed by having the desire to do better, curiosity and being bold.  You can ask yourself and the people in your workplace what you're getting better at or what we are getting better at. Charles Darwin said "It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change."

Lastly, change is not easy for most of us.  Remember to have compassion and empathy for others and don't forget yourself when going through change.  By embracing change, it will become easier to deal with and you will be more powerful and peaceful in your everyday life.