What is Your Fear of Change Costing You?
Fear of change might keep you feeling safe and cozy…but what is it costing you?
Change is inevitable, and it's a constant part of life. The changes and choices you have to make after high school can be overwhelming. Whether you go to school or start a career, stay at home or move away, keep the high school sweetheart or move on — it might feel like you are being asked to make big, important decisions nearly every day.
Many young adults are held back, however, by your fear of change, feeling paralyzed and reluctant to embrace new opportunities. The worry and anxiety that come from wondering if you’ll make the wrong choice, fail or disappoint someone can leave you standing still instead of moving forward with your life.
Here are just a few of the ways your fear of change could be holding you back:
Missed Opportunities
When you resist change, you often miss out on opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. College is a time for exploration, self-identity, and acquiring new skills. The fear of change can hinder this process, causing you to remain safe and cozy in your comfort zone. In doing so, you miss out on valuable experiences that could shape your future.
Relationship Stress
Friendships, partnerships and even professional relationships require a degree of adaptability and compromise. The fear of change can lead to difficulties in connecting with others and maintaining healthy relationships. It may result in rigid thinking, making it challenging to collaborate, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts. You might end up believing you just “hate conflict” or you’re “not good at relationships” when really it’s the fear of change that is holding you back from truly connecting.
Mental Health Struggles
The fear of change can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. When you resist change, you often ruminate on the uncertainties of the future, leading to heightened levels of anxiety. Additionally, the sense of feeling stuck and missed opportunities can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression. Over time, these mental health consequences can have a profound impact on one's overall well-being and quality of life.
Basic Unhappiness
The fear of change can restrict personal fulfillment and the pursuit of your passions and dreams. Many young adults just like you have ambitions, aspirations, and creative ideas you would like to explore, but the fear of change can hold them back. Living a life that lacks personal fulfillment can lead to a sense of emptiness and regret in the long run.
So, what can you do?
To overcome the hidden costs of the fear of change, it is important to start actively working on strategies that improve your tolerance for uncertainty and your belief that you can handle difficult situations (your self-esteem). Some of these strategies include:
Intentional self-reflection: Self-awareness is key. Spend time reflecting on your fears and understanding where you originate from. This can help them develop strategies to confront and manage those fears.
Goal-setting: Setting clear, achievable goals can provide motivation and a sense of direction. These goals can be milestones for embracing change and taking positive risks.
Gradual exposure: It's essential to start small when confronting the fear of change. Taking calculated risks and gradually pushing outside one's comfort zone can build confidence.
Seek support: Therapists, mentors, and supportive friends and family can offer guidance and encouragement during challenging times. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Embrace lifelong learning: Cultivating a growth mindset and staying open to learning and adapting is essential for personal and professional development.
If you are a young adult feeling like your fear of change is holding you back from living your best life, we are here to help! Reach out HERE to schedule your first session.
