Navigating change
“You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.”
Brené Brown
Finding Balance in Work, Business, and Life
Change is a constant force in life. Whether it’s shifting roles at work, pivoting a business strategy, managing a restructure or embarking on a personal transformation, navigating change can be as challenging as it is transformative. Thought leaders like Brené Brown and Jay Shetty have explored the depths of human resilience, providing invaluable insights on how to embrace change with courage, vulnerability, and wisdom.
Understanding the Emotional Landscape of Change
Brené Brown, renowned for her work on vulnerability and courage, whose work completely shaped my perspective on how to lead, reminds us that embracing change requires leaning into discomfort. “Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage,” she writes. In moments of change, acknowledging fears and uncertainties allows us to build resilience and move forward with clarity.
Jay Shetty, in his book Think Like a Monk, advises viewing change as an opportunity for growth. He suggests asking yourself: “What is this change teaching me?” By reframing change as a lesson rather than a loss, we can shift our mindset from resistance to acceptance.
Navigating Change in Your Career
Job changes, whether voluntary or not, are often fraught with anxiety. But, they can also offer a chance to redefine your professional path. To navigate this transition:
Reflect on Your Strengths and Values: Identify what matters most to you. As Shetty emphasises, aligning your career with your values creates a sense of purpose. Write a list of companies whose values align with yours.
Build a Support System: Brown’s research highlights the importance of connection during times of uncertainty. Share your journey with trusted friends or colleagues who can offer guidance and encouragement.
Embrace a Growth Mindset: Recognise that learning new skills or adapting to a new environment is part of the process. Celebrate small wins as you acclimatise to your new role.
Embracing Change in Business
For entrepreneurs, change often means reimagining strategies, adapting to market trends, or navigating economic challenges. Here’s how to approach business change:
Stay Curious: Brown advocates for curiosity over judgement. When faced with a business challenge, ask, “What can I learn from this situation?”
Communicate Transparently: Change affects teams, clients, and stakeholders. Open and honest communication fosters trust and ensures everyone is aligned.
Focus on Innovation: As Shetty notes, “Discomfort is the price of growth.” Use change as a catalyst to innovate and stay ahead of the curve.
Managing Personal Transformation
Personal change, whether it’s a lifestyle shift, relationship loss, or self-discovery journey, can feel deeply personal and isolating. To navigate personal transformation:
Practice Self-Compassion: Brené Brown’s work underscores the importance of being kind to yourself. Recognise that change takes time and give yourself permission to stumble along the way.
Create a Daily Ritual: Jay Shetty’s teachings emphasise the power of routine in grounding yourself during transitions. Meditation, journaling, or even a walk in nature can help you stay centred.
Celebrate Growth: Acknowledge and honuor the progress you’ve made. Small wins build momentum and reinforce your commitment to change.
Choose Courage
Change is never easy, but it is often necessary for growth. By approaching change with vulnerability, curiosity, and intention, we can transform challenges into opportunities. As Brené Brown so aptly puts it, “You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.” And as Jay Shetty reminds us, “When you learn to navigate change with a calm and open mind, you’re unstoppable.”
So, the next time you find yourself at the crossroads of change, take a deep breath. Lean into the discomfort, seek the lessons, and trust in your ability to adapt and thrive.
If you’ve not watched it, I highly recommend Brené’s TED talk: The power of vulnerabilty.
