This article was co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Wisconsin. She specializes in addictions, mental health problems, and trauma recovery. She has worked as a counselor in both community health settings and private practice. She also works as a writer and researcher, with education, experience, and compassion for people informing her research and writing subjects. She received Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. She also earned an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University.
There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Change can be hard for many people to accept—but it's worth remembering that part of growing as a person means accepting that life is always changing. We might lose our jobs, have to relocate unexpectedly, or have other major things happen to us, but these changes are just part of life. Even if change unsettles you, you can cope by managing your stress, developing a positive mindset, and looking to the future. Keep reading for a list of ways to accept and come to terms with the change in your life, no matter what it might be.
Accepting Change: Quick Tips
- Take initiative and get used to change by making small, easy changes in your life.
- Figure out why change unsettles you and embrace your feelings about it.
- Find value in the change by noting upsides or new opportunities as a result of it.
- Develop a positive outlook on life by reciting daily affirmations.
- Talk to someone about your feelings and practical ways to improve the situation.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Reader Videos
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-anger/202012/change-is-hard-here-s-how-make-it-easier
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-anger/202012/change-is-hard-here-s-how-make-it-easier
- ↑ https://career.uconn.edu/blog/2015/09/01/change-is-inevitable-growth-is-optional/
- ↑ https://www.ultimatemedical.edu/blog/wellness-tips-how-to-accept-change-so-you-dont-shut-down/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/5-ways-to-boost-optimism
- ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/7-tips-for-dealing-with-change
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-for-happiness/202105/a-guide-to-affirmations-and-how-to-use-them
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201201/personal-growth-motivation-the-drive-change
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/6-ways-to-stay-busy-to-avoid-sadness
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-anger/202012/change-is-hard-here-s-how-make-it-easier
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/feeling-stuck-how-to-express-your-feelings
- ↑ https://actionforhappiness.org/take-action/set-your-goals-and-make-them-happen
- ↑ https://actionforhappiness.org/take-action/set-your-goals-and-make-them-happen
- ↑ https://www.wgu.edu/blog/should-you-have-accountability-partner2305.html
- ↑ https://ssir.org/articles/entry/creating_a_better_world_means_asking_better_questions
About This Article
Dealing with change can be tough, but accepting that it’s a normal part of life can help you grow as a person and get used to new things that happen. Express the feelings you have about the change in a healthy way, since bottling up your emotions won’t help you move on. For example, take time to grieve if you’ve lost a loved one or feel disappointed if you’ve lost your job. Try to find something positive about your new situation to help you move forward. This could be that you have a chance to change careers after losing your job, or that your family comes closer together after mourning the death of a relative. If the change you’re experiencing is causing stress, practice yoga or meditation to combat this. You can also do something to bring about positive change for you or someone else, like volunteering for a cause you believe in or adopting a pet. That way, you’ll see how change can also be a positive development rather than just something that negatively affects you. For tips from our co-author on how to talk to others about your fear of change, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
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"Thanks for the article. I am conducting a mentoring session with a couple of my staff members regarding change acceptance, and this article makes the topic easy to discuss. I have provided them the link to this, so hopefully they will read it and be enlightened."..." more