How To Handle Changes In Life

There is a saying that goes:  “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep the balance, you have to be in motion ”. It is the reality you face every single day with a lot of changes in life. You are constantly faced with new situations that you have to face, changes that you have to adapt to, and losses that you have to deal with.

But how do you handle change in life? Is it easy? What tools can you use? Experts in various fields (psychology, coaching and business) have given their take on this topic and suggested some strategies for how to deal with change in life.

How to deal with life changes

Change is a common part of life and happens almost every day. It can help you with your personal development if you learn to deal with them.

However, it is not always easy to adapt to the new situations that life throws at you, especially not the unexpected ones. How do you handle change? Here are four ideas to help you!

Try to accept it

Life is full of experiences and obstacles. And change can pose a real threat to your stability. But change does not have to be negative. On the other hand, it can actually be a great option. However, the truth is that change sometimes involves unpleasant situations and can lead to a complete restructuring of your life.

Therefore, working with acceptance can help you face change. But what does that really mean? Basically, you have to adapt to a new reality every day,  take the losses on yourself when they come, and keep in mind that only the present matters.

César Piqueras, coach, coach and author has talked about the importance of acceptance when it comes to change. As he writes: “ When we accept, we choose the path of wisdom. There is no regret or anger, there is acceptance ”. 

Moreover, your drive for acceptance is not suppressed and you have not given up, but you are able to welcome future changes.

Look forward

Psychotherapist, Démian Bucay, explains that in situations of change, there may well be greater gains than losses, but this does not mean that you do not feel pain over what you have left behind. It is normal to feel pain when you have to accept that this part of your life is over.

But looking ahead, it can help you approach these situations with mindfulness and calm. The past does not come back, but you have a present, often full of possibilities, that allow you to create your future.

Changes in life

César Piqueras believes that there are four ways to handle change: making objections and complaining, giving in, accepting and changing. This article focuses on the last two. These are the most adaptive (although it can also sometimes be adaptive to give in).

We have already mentioned the strategy for acceptance. Piqueras argues that the strategy of change allows you to achieve more, since it goes beyond just complaining or giving in. You move forward when you are willing to change what you do not like.

Although it may sound like a repetition,

be aware

Business coach Ignacio Martinez suggests that when faced with change, you should be aware of what you intend to use it for.  If it is a change that you have not chosen, allow yourself to feel all the emotions in the situation (sadness, anger, rage, etc.) and start accepting it when you are ready.

Ignacio further emphasizes that it can be beneficial to be aware of the consequences of not changing anything, as well as the possibilities of the new situation or context.  Although he mainly focuses on business, it can easily be extended to other areas.