Career choices. Living situations. Relationships. Finances. We all work through big life change as our journey unfolds.
But let’s be honest, just because we all deal with change doesn’t make it easy. #AmIRight?
I’ve been thinking about this topic a lot recently.
I’ve considered the ups and downs of change.
I have thought about the opportunities and the challenges change presents us – often simultaneously.
I’ve experienced how easy it is to focus on the negative and overlook the silver lining that’s usually hiding amidst the chaos.
We find ourselves fighting the storm of change.
We struggle to keep things the same.
And we resist adjusting our sails and embarking on the new adventure awaiting us.
Why?
Because it’s scary. And it’s unfamiliar. And if feels unsafe.
But here’s a secret: sometimes that scary place is exactly where the best opportunities are hiding.
[bctt tweet=”Here’s a secret: sometimes the scary place is exactly where the best opportunities are hiding. #WiseWords #EmbraceChange” username=”BusyBeingPaula”]
Dealing With Big Life Change: Learn to Grow and Thrive
My husband and I are staring down some big changes over the next several months, and to help us prepare for the new adventure, I reached out to some friends for advice.
Today I’m thrilled to share their pearls of wisdom with you, in hopes that their advice helps you navigate your own stormy waters when they arise.
Enjoy!
1: Practice Acceptance
Change in all aspects of life is inevitable. The first step to get through big life change is simply accepting it. While this is sometimes the most challenging step, once you accept change, you have the power to decide how you’ll face it. This can turn a challenging situation into an opportunity to make it your own… to decide how you want the change to impact your life for the better.
-Yolanda from Put the Kettle On
[bctt tweet=”Once you accept change, it gives you the power to decide how you want to face it. #WiseWords #EmbraceChange” username=”BusyBeingPaula”]
2: Be Patient
Like many people, I used to hate change. I have come to understand, however, that big life change is a part of everyone’s journey. Since I now know that change will happen, whether I like it or not, I’ve found that patience helps.
Changes aren’t always quick or pretty. But by exhibiting patience, I find myself calmer and better able to take the change in stages. It’s made me more successful at accepting the end result.
-Natalie from Honestly Nat
[bctt tweet=”Changes aren’t always quick or pretty. But by exhibiting patience, you’re calmer and can take the change in stages. #WiseWords #EmbraceChange” username=”BusyBeingPaula”]
3: Stay Committed
When going through a big life change, you should get comfortable with pivoting when something doesn’t work. It’s equally important, however, to avoid second-guessing yourself once you make a decision. Commit to the path you decide until it’s clear that it’s not working; don’t throw in the towel before you make real progress. Shiny object syndrome is real!
-Colleen from Inspired Forward
[bctt tweet=”Shiny object syndrome is real! Don’t throw in the towel. #WiseWords #EmbraceChange” username=”BusyBeingPaula”]
4: Do Your Research
It can be scary to jump into the unknown! That’s why I feel much better about making a big decision if I research it as much as possible. I learn as much as I can about the topic, and I try to talk with others who’ve been there before me. By learning more about the subject, I feel more confident to take the leap!
-Andrea from Sharing My Favorites
[bctt tweet=”Do your research! By learning more about the subject, you feel more confident to take the leap. #WiseWords #EmbraceChange” username=”BusyBeingPaula”]
5: Focus On the End Game
The biggest tip I have with regards to making BIG life decisions is to always ask yourself: “How does moving forward with this action align me closer to my goals?”
If the change negatively impacts your ability to achieve those big life goals, then it’s likely not worth it to move forward. Listen to your heart. When we don’t, that’s when life goes awry.
-Brandi from The Cultured Baby
[bctt tweet=”Listen to your heart. When we don’t, that’s when life goes awry. #WiseWords #EmbraceChange” username=”BusyBeingPaula”]
6: Imagine the Worst-Case Scenario
My favorite tip for facing big life change is asking the question, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?”
When you play out that scenario, you’ll realize that you’re either:
- Already in one of those worst-case scenarios.
- The worst-case scenario isn’t so bad after all.
Exploring this question is quite freeing, especially because the worst-case scenario is exactly that; the WORST case. It likely won’t happen and there are brighter horizons ahead.
-Becca from With Love, Becca
[bctt tweet=”The worst-case scenario is exactly that; the WORST case. It likely won’t happen and there are brighter horizons ahead. #WiseWords #EmbraceChange” username=”BusyBeingPaula”]
There you have it, friends. Advice from the experts for anyone working through a big life change.
If you’re looking for more advice, be sure to check out my post How to Get Through Major Life Change: 3 Simple Steps. Then, snag your free ebook all about big life change here!
Question:
What are your strategies for working through a big life change? What big changes have you worked through recently? Share your tips below!