I LOVED my most recent past job. I got to lead, be creative, and impact the lives of others through my work. As an Operations Leader, I was responsible for logistics, planning, safety, and culture to name a few. In the particular department where I and my peers oversaw over 150 people, we were under construction. After this project was to be completed, the result would be a much safer, convenient, ergonomically friendly environment for our team. However, the construction process wasn't comfortable AT ALL. Out team didn't like being moved around, having their work stations interrupted, and not feeling settled as they came in day after day. As leaders, we knew that the project would result in something that would be MUCH better and efficient. We were also confident that once the team was on the other side of the renovation, they would appreciate the changes that had been made, and the inconvenience they had experienced would be well worth it.
Change is so hard. It's uncomfortable, it's uncertain, it can be confusing and chaotic. In all of that, if the change is for the better, then there is something greater that lies on the other side of the change! But you have to be willing to go through the process. The process is messy, inconvenient, causes discomfort, and forces you into a space that you are unfamiliar with, but that's okay! You're strong enough, you're brave enough, you're smart enough... YOU ARE ENOUGH! You are worth the process that it takes to achieve greater! What is holding you back from embracing change?
Change is an inevitable part of life, yet for many of us, it’s something we resist. But what if instead of resisting change, we learned to embrace it? What if we could view change not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth and transformation? Change is essential for personal development and can lead to greater resilience if we use practical strategies to welcome change into our lives with open arms.
What is Change?
Change is, by definition, a departure from the status quo. It can come in many forms—some welcome, others less so. Major life transitions like moving to a new city, starting a new job, or going through a breakup can trigger fear and uncertainty. Small, everyday changes—like a new routine or unexpected challenges—may also throw us off balance.
What makes change particularly challenging is its unpredictability. It’s difficult to prepare for, and often, it forces us to let go of old habits, mindsets, or relationships. The discomfort that accompanies change is part of what makes it so unsettling. Yet, this discomfort is precisely where the potential for growth lies. Change forces us to adapt, learn, and evolve.
Why should I Embrace change?
Personal Growth and Transformation
One of the greatest rewards of embracing change is the opportunity it offers for personal growth. Change pushes us out of our comfort zones, encouraging us to develop new skills, broaden our perspectives, and challenge our assumptions. By embracing change, we give ourselves the chance to evolve into a more resilient and adaptive version of ourselves. Even when change brings discomfort or loss, the lessons learned can ultimately shape a stronger, more self-aware individual.
Increased Resilience
Change can feel like an obstacle at first, but over time, it builds resilience. Every time you navigate a difficult transition or adapt to a new situation, you become better equipped to handle future challenges. Resilience isn’t about avoiding change; it’s about learning how to bounce back from setbacks and use those experiences to grow stronger.
For instance, someone who has lost a job may initially feel defeated, but the process of searching for a new opportunity, rethinking career goals, and possibly even acquiring new skills can foster a sense of empowerment. This ability to weather storms is what makes us resilient—it's the capacity to face change with courage and a mindset focused on opportunities, rather than just risks.
Fresh Perspectives and Opportunities
Embracing change can open doors to opportunities that we may not have anticipated. Often, when we become too attached to the way things are, we close ourselves off to new experiences. Change, on the other hand, invites new possibilities. This particular job came about when I was desiring a shift in my professional life. After years of teaching, I was in search of something that provided me more freedom and flexibility with better benefits. Amidst that search, I met new and inspiring people, discovered a passion for leadership, and discovered how to use my God-given abilities outside of the church, because no. matter where I am, I am on Kingdom assignment.
The more willing we are to embrace change, the more doors we open to experiences that we otherwise might have missed. What change are you resisting right now? What opportunities might you have missed because you were determined NOT to embrace change? What relationships have you not embarked upon because you are loyal to and satisfied with the ones you have (whether they are healthy or not), and you are not open to anything new? My prayer is that you would consider God's promise in Jeremiah 29:11; For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. This is your guarantee that if you embrace what God is doing in this new season, his Word will hold true, and you have nothing to fear... not even change.
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