Life

Here’s What You Can Do to Embrace Change in the Workplace

Published

3 years ago

Oct 12, 2020

Image Credit: Unsplash

Change is at the core of our existence, and yet, we strive to dodge it and remain in our comfort zones by default. While not every shift in our lives is welcome, we need to accept that the root of improvement and personal and professional growth lies in the ability to accept and adapt to change.

Without change, there would be no room for advancement, and evolution in every possible sense would be unlikely. The workplace is just another sphere where a planned change is welcome. However, both companies and individuals need adequate strategies to embrace change in the workplace, both planned and unplanned. And, thus, avoid disruptions in times of uncertainty.

To embrace change, you need to understand it

Perhaps the reasons why people resist change, in general, can be found in its unpredictability and the fear of the unknown. Most of the time, we can’t control the variables, but we can control how we (re)act. Learning how to positively deal with change is vital for every individual and company as a whole.

Not too long ago, the coronavirus outbreak completely stopped us in our tracks. We were and still are trying to redesign our daily lives, including how we operate at work. Constant change is, inevitably becoming a part of our working routine. The best we can do is embrace that change in the workplace and make it work for us.

To understand what’s ahead and diminish the fear of the unknown, it is key to gather as much information as possible. Only through educated decisions, those affected can get much-needed reassurance and comfort. Without the focus on trusted information, these may be difficult to obtain under new circumstances.

“The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” – Kakuzō

Resistance is futile

This is a popular quote from the Star Trek series, but also a practical way of looking at things. Resistance to change in the workplace isn’t productive and serves nobody. Opening to the change, on the other hand, provides a plethora of new opportunities for improvement. If recognized and developed on time, one of those opportunities may redefine the way we do work or set ourselves apart.

Hence, the first step in embracing the change is acknowledging the possibility that stubborn resilience is not the way. Once we accept this on a personal level, we can easily apply it in the workplace.

With how much effort people will embrace the change partly depends on the management. Only competent leaders can navigate the organization through an uncertain period of change. They do it with the help of strong communication and listening skills, empathy, and intuition. After all, the organization is its people.

Your attitude toward life defines how you embrace change in the workplace

Which words describe a person with a positive attitude toward change? We will often hear that flexible, brave, adaptable, curious, positive, open-minded, patient, creative, strong-willed, enthusiastic people get through everything that life brings with ease. But it is not that simple.

While it may seem that those are exclusive character traits, those virtues can be learned and practiced. One’s outlook on life is based on a determination to survive and thrive, and with it comes the motivation to embrace change.

In other words, if you see the change as an opportunity, it will be an opportunity. If you don’t see it as such, you need to learn how to look. To do so, ask yourself:

Am I looking only at the negative aspects of change? How many positive aspects can I determine?
How do I feel about the change? What is the source of these feelings?
Am I thinking in the long-term? Can this change bring benefits at some point in the future?

If you define a source of any negative feelings toward the change, you will be able to approach the problem on more rational grounds. This is where personal development begins.

Redefine your goals if necessary, but remain focused

Planned changes are best accepted if introduced over time. But sometimes, they can come as a shock, leaving little or no time for preparation. In the latter case, goals set before them may need to be revised, or paths reworked. To more easily embrace change in the workplace, one needs to set a (new) goal, carefully progress in that direction, and regularly reassess the situation. It is the same as walking in the dark, always exploring ahead by making small steps until more light is shed.

There’s no better way to deal with change than focusing on job responsibilities that lead to achieving new performance objectives. The loss of control that often follows in the wake of an unplanned change can be mitigated. Even though they differ from our usual assignments, accomplishing tasks that we’re capable of can still bring about a sense of fulfillment, joy, and comfort.

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy

There is strength in numbers

It is highly likely that you’re not the only one affected by the change. Look around and see how others deal with it and share your thoughts and experiences. The worst you can do is isolate yourself during the time of change when major shifts naturally tend to drive people deep into their comfort zone.

Exposing yourself to others is scary in its own right, but it also opens you to highly useful opinions and helpful practices you may not otherwise be aware of. Being part of a group empowers people, and navigating through the uncertainty the change brings is much easier together.

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Alice Santini

Alice Santini is a tour guide in Florida, an amateur photographer, and a guest blogger at purpleheartmovinggroup.com and other media outlets. She is excited by travel, always on the move, and looking at the world through the camera lens more often than not.

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How to Combine Stoic and Minimalist Principles for Optimal Living

By embracing Stoicism’s wisdom and Minimalism’s clarity, we can create a life that is truly meaningful

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2 months ago

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In our fast-paced, the principles of Stoicism and Minimalism have emerged as beacons of clarity and wisdom. These philosophies, while distinct in their approaches, share a common goal: to simplify our lives and cultivate a sense of purpose and contentment.

In this article, we will explore the great impact of Stoicism and Minimalism on our lives and the transformative benefits of incorporating them into our daily lives.

The Essence of Stoicism

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE. It teaches us to focus on what we can control and accept what we cannot. At its core, Stoicism is about cultivating resilience, wisdom, and inner peace in the face of life’s challenges.

Emotional Resilience

Stoicism teaches us to acknowledge and regulate our emotions. By practicing emotional detachment and rational thinking, we can better navigate the ups and downs of life. When we understand that external events are beyond our control, we learn to channel our energy into mastering our reactions.

Living in the Present

Stoicism encourages us to live in the present moment. By letting go of regrets about the past and anxieties about the future, we find contentment in the here and now. This mindfulness fosters a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.

Freedom through Simplicity

Stoicism’s emphasis on minimalism is evident in its approach to material possessions. By reducing our attachment to material things, we free ourselves from the burden of constant desire. This freedom allows us to focus on what truly matters: our character, virtues, and relationships.

“Stoicism teaches that we can’t control or rely on anything outside what Epictetus called our “reasoned choice” – our ability to use our reason to choose how we categorize, respond, and reorient ourselves to external events.” — Ryan Holiday

The Essence of Minimalism

Minimalism is a lifestyle philosophy that gained popularity in recent years. It advocates for simplifying our lives by decluttering both physical possessions and mental distractions. Minimalism is not about deprivation but rather about focusing on what adds value and meaning to our lives.

Clarity and Purpose

Minimalism helps us cut through the noise of consumerism and endless distractions. By decluttering our physical and digital spaces, we create room for clarity and purpose. We can better identify what truly matters and allocate our time and energy accordingly.

Reduced Stress and Overwhelm

In a world filled with constant stimuli, minimalism offers a refuge from the overwhelming influx of information and material possessions. Simplifying our environment and commitments reduces stress and fosters a sense of calm and tranquility.

Financial Freedom

Minimalism often leads to more mindful spending. By prioritizing needs over wants, we can save money, pay off debt, and achieve financial freedom. This financial stability provides peace of mind and opens up opportunities for experiences that enrich our lives.

The Synergy of Stoicism and Minimalism

While Stoicism and Minimalism are distinct philosophies, they complement each other beautifully, creating a powerful synergy that can transform our lives.

Cultivating Resilience

Stoicism’s emphasis on emotional resilience helps us navigate the challenges of adopting a minimalist lifestyle. When we encounter resistance to letting go of possessions or simplifying our lives, Stoic principles can guide us through the process with patience and fortitude.

Prioritizing What Truly Matters

Together, these philosophies encourage us to prioritize what truly matters in life. We learn to let go of the unnecessary distractions and material possessions that weigh us down, allowing us to focus on relationships, personal growth, and experiences that bring us joy and fulfillment.

Finding Contentment

The goal of Stoicism and Minimalism is to find contentment and inner peace. By embracing these philosophies, we can escape the cycle of constant desire and comparison that often leads to discontentment. Instead, we find contentment in the present moment and in the simplicity of our lives.

Practical Steps to Embrace Stoicism and Minimalism

Start with Self-Awareness: Reflect on your values and priorities. What truly matters to you? What possessions or distractions no longer align with these values?
Declutter Mindfully: Begin by decluttering your physical space. Donate, sell, or recycle items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. Gradually extend this process to your digital life and commitments.
Practice Stoic Principles: Study Stoic philosophy and incorporate its principles into your daily life. Learn to differentiate between what’s within your control and what isn’t. Practice emotional resilience and mindfulness.
Set Minimalist Goals: Set specific minimalist goals, such as reducing your wardrobe or cutting back on digital screen time. Start small and gradually expand your minimalist practices.
Seek Support: Join minimalist or Stoic communities, both online and offline, to connect with like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and support on your journey.

The impact of Stoicism and Minimalism on our lives cannot be overstated. These philosophies guide us toward emotional resilience, simplicity, and contentment in an increasingly complex world. By embracing Stoicism’s wisdom and Minimalism’s clarity, we can create a life that is truly meaningful, purposeful, and fulfilling.

Remember that the journey toward a more Stoic and minimalist existence is a lifelong one, filled with growth and self-discovery, but the rewards are boundless—a life rich in meaning, wisdom, and inner peace.