Change feels like a threat. Even though we know that change is the game’s name, we need to turn it into a catalyst. We fear change even though we know it is inevitable.

Seems like evolutionary, the brain is a negative bias, dislikes change, and prefers the known. We see children enjoying watching the same movie over and over because that makes them feel secure, in control. The known gives us the illusion of power, and that sense relieves us from the stress of uncertainty. When we grow, we face the need to change. I can relate to a kid who moves from kindergarten to first grade. He was proud to move to first grade, but was terribly upset because there was less time to play. We all want to grow until it asks us to change.

Sometimes the fear of change makes us get stuck in a certain place. Deep down, you start losing that comfort, but then…Resistance. The familiar job, couple, feels safe. Familiar. Sometimes you even stay there despite the pain. It is exceedingly difficult to move from that comfortable place unless it stops being comfortable. I know extraordinarily few people who can move from a comfortable place unless they are forced. They also move if it stops being comfortable for some reason.

At times, we carry limiting beliefs that are not ours; they were not chosen. But we bring them from our families, culture, and carry them as ours

Behind the Fear of Change

There is an explanation behind the fears of change. Our brains are wired to survive; change implies a threat and makes our adjustment process move. Our brain feels it is dangerous because it threatens what we know.

Change is the name of the game.

We humans love stability and predictability. We try to keep stable, and we forget that that is not possible. Life is change. To live requires us to face the process of change. Facing all these changes takes courage. As humans, we fear the unknown. The uncertainty about what the future holds can cause an enormous amount of anxiety. If we do not manage it correctly, it can lead to stress.

Change makes us realize, makes us aware of the lack of control we have over our lives. In fact, the COVID outbreak gave us a clear lesson. Now facing climate change, we are more aware than ever that we can’t take anything for granted.

When we face change, we face our limitations. Change makes us move, get out of our comfort zone, away from familiar things or events. Change tests our tolerance to frustration. A high level of tolerance to failure is a sign of mental health. We are very aware that facing failure is challenging. It proves our resilience.

Change affect our emotions

Yes, absolutely. Change impacts our emotions in various ways. It can have a positive effect. New challenges can motivate us more than known ones. When we achieve a goal we have established for ourselves, it can change our self-esteem. It makes us feel proud of ourselves and the challenges we have been capable of overcoming. Change also brings with it unexpected changes.

Change can also have negative impacts on us. It can generate anxiety, doubts, fears, and insecurities. These feelings arise due to all these new and unfamiliar situations we are facing.

Change just happens. We can’t avoid it. It is like the weather. We saw the forecast before leaving our house and thought it would be sunny. Suddenly, it started raining. We have to learn to walk in the rain, with or without an umbrella.