We find comfort in things that are familiar. Routine provides security. Change leads us into the unknown. Change forces us to take a new path. Change is resisted because it is easier not to change.
Resistance to change is not based on logic, but on fear of the unknown. Resistance to change limits your ability to benefit from new opportunities. It gives a false sense of security. You will not be a participant in your future, but rather an observer.
As resistance to change becomes more ingrained over time, aversion to change becomes unconscious. It is human nature to prefer the path of least resistance, and it takes more effort to change than not to change.
When Thomas Edison first invented the light bulb, it was not widely welcomed because it was a great advancement. In fact, many didn’t want it at all. They were concerned that the widespread use of electric light would allow businesses to force their employees to work around the clock. I was reluctant to switch from oil lamps and candles.
Jill worked as a receptionist at a busy medical clinic. She worked there for 5 years and she was very satisfied with her job. Her office manager, Barbara, is retiring, and Jill is offered her job. Her office manager position was a promotion with more responsibility and pay, but Jill wasn’t sure if she wanted to move on.
Jill was an efficient receptionist. She was liked by everyone in the office. Jill will serve as office manager and will supervise other staff members. She was worried about what would happen if Jill didn’t like her new job or if she didn’t do well. What will she do if things don’t go well? Jill doesn’t think returning to her receptionist job is an option because someone else will be hired in her place. did not.
Jill decides to decline the promotion. She felt too uncomfortable changing her routine. Because Jill resisted her change, she probably missed out on opportunities that could have been beneficial to her.
Jerry was a salesman for a computer manufacturer. He had a good life and his job was not difficult. Jerry loved talking to people, so he was comfortable selling. But he had more fun than anything else. Jerry loved to cook and he made delicious meals. His ideal life concept was to run his own catering business.
Jerry was fired because the company he worked for was acquired by a larger corporation. Jerry had some savings so he could take his time and find a suitable job. Jerry wasn’t worried about finding his next job because his city was full of high-tech companies.
Rather than pursue another sales job, Jerry considered starting a catering business. His friends encouraged him to give it a try. But Jerry hesitated. He was content to make a living through sales. Starting and running his own business will be a big change. It’s a lot of work and it will take time to increase his income.
After much consideration, Jerry decided to take another sales job and postpone his dream for another time. Jerry wasn’t happy with all the unknowns that came with starting his own business. Therefore, Jerry did not change and chose to stay with what was familiar.
As the previous example shows, resistance to change tends to be limited. You usually lose more by refusing to change than by changing. Unless you have a good logical reason not to change, embrace change as an exciting new path to opportunity. We’re sure you’ll love it! To get the most out of life, you must be willing to change.
Brian Golden is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. Brian is also the author of Dare to Live Without Limits, which is available at select bookstores or on his website by clicking here. Email Bryan at Bryan@columnist.com
