Why Is Dealing With Change So Hard?

Dealing with change is hard.

I know – we’ve all heard this so much before, it practically sounds like a cliche. But let’s face it – dealing with change is hard! While changes can be anticipated, getting adjusted to them is an entirely different story.

Most times, we tap ourselves on the shoulder, accept that changing is rather difficult, and stop there. However, what you may fail to realize is that this hesitation to take proactive action is the reason why you’re feeling so anxious and uneasy. Naturally, developing a fear of change is unsurprising, yet you know that staying in this place leads to nowhere.

So, why is dealing with change so hard? Let’s explore this together and find out what you can do to overcome this fear.

1. Our Biology

Humans are creatures of habit. In other words, we much prefer consistency and stability rather than unpredictability. This is why coping with change is so difficult for some of us.

When things start changing, our brains pick this up as a threat. For instance, if you were afraid of the dark as a child, it’s not the actual darkness you were scared of. On the contrary, you’re afraid of what you can’t see. With that in mind, change makes us feel uncertain and disrupts our usual routines, making us hesitant to make the necessary adjustments.

2. Changing Multiple Things At Once

On the other hand, another reason why dealing with change may be difficult is that you’re trying to change multiple things at once.

Upon deep reflection, you may have found multiple areas in your life that require work. You may want to become more productive and organized, exercise more, or simply develop new healthy habits for yourself. Naturally, you roll up your sleeves and start working on these things all at once. However, there is such a thing as doing too much.

Namely, making positive changes requires having consistent, well-established patterns. Resting is also a huge part of this process. With that said, because you’re trying to change multiple things at once, your brain feels strung out, which may cause setbacks. So, in these cases, respect the old saying – take it one step at a time.

3. Fear of Failure

The fear of change is also closely linked to the fear of failure. As humans, we’re hardwired with the desire to win. But as you know, dealing with change sometimes requires us to step into unknown territory. Because all of this is new, you may want to skip out on changing altogether simply because you’re afraid to lose.

On top of that, the fear of failure is also fueled by the fear of judgment. When you’re adjusting to new habits, it’s most likely that you won’t be successful all the time. But that’s no reason to kick yourself over. Instead, creating positive changes demands that you stand up and meet this fear in the eye, no matter how many times it pushes you down.

While dealing with change can be difficult, a little organization goes a long way. That is why I recommend you take the first step by downloading my Organize & Prioritize: Your Path to Pursuing Dreams checklist. Here, you will learn practical strategies that will help you achieve your big dreams without fearing any of the adjustments that come your way!