The Psychology Behind why Change is so Daunting
The prospect of change can immediately evoke apprehension and resistance. Whether it's switching careers, moving house or altering habits, the uncertainty and unpredictability associated with change can automatically trigger distress. Understanding our personal psychological response to change can shed light on why we find it so daunting.
Fear of the Unknown
Because human beings have an inherent tendency to seek stability and predictability in their environment, one of the primary reasons change is daunting is the fear of the unknown. When faced with change, we're are confronted with unfamiliar circumstances, leading to feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Research by Lerner and Keltner (2001) highlights how uncertainty about the future can elicit strong emotional responses, such as fear and apprehension, as individuals consider the ambiguity of what lies ahead.
This is why leaning in is the hardest part of change because fear can cause us to be more pessimistic about taking risks.
Loss Aversion
Another factor contributing to our change reluctance is loss aversion. According to Prospect Theory proposed by Kahneman and Tversky (1979), we tend to weigh potential losses more heavily than equivalent gains.
According to this theory, we're more likely to feel worse about losing $50 than we are to feel great about gaining $50, so we may put in more effort to avoid loss than we would to make the same amount of gain
Change often involves letting go of familiar routines, relationships, or identities, which can be perceived as losses. The anticipation of relinquishing familiar aspects of life - even if they weren't part of our essential value - can evoke a sense of grief and discomfort, amplifying the resistance to change.
Managing motivation through change is not necessarily easy, but our motivation can be improved by following various strategies; starting with acknowledging the feelings of loss it may evoke.
Cognitive Dissonance
Famously, the concept of cognitive dissonance goes a long way to explain why change can be unsettling. According to Festinger's (1957) theory, we strive for internal consistency and harmony in our beliefs and behaviours. If we're faced with change that contradicts our existing beliefs or self-conceptions, we experience cognitive dissonance, leading to discomfort and psychological tension. The tension is uncomfortable and we try to resolve it, often by avoiding the change.
We say that managing change is part art and part science because navigating change isn't simply a matter of following a set of predefined steps, relying solely on data-driven strategies. Instead, it's a delicate blend of art and science, requiring curiosity in both organisational dynamics and human behaviour.
Social Influence
Social influence may also play a role in shaping our own attitude towards change. If we have others around us who challenge our bias, we may allow ourselves to thing differently about the change than if we did not receive that same challenge. Research by Asch (1956) on conformity showed how participants were more likely to provide obviously wrong answers if the wrong answer was first given by other participants (planted by the study). This may show that we often conform to social expectations, even when they're objectively not "right".
When contemplating change, we may experience pressure to conform to prevailing influences for fear of social rejection and disapproval. This can reinforce resistance to change, if we prioritise social acceptance and belonging. In our article Leading Bravely against the Bully, we discuss strategies leaders can take when social pressures have gone to far and inappropriately amount to bullying.
It's not you: change is daunting
As if one factor wasn't enough, the daunting nature of change stems from a confluence of psychological factors, including fear of the unknown, loss aversion, cognitive dissonance, and social influence. Recognising these underlying mechanisms can empower individuals to navigate change more effectively by acknowledging and addressing their intuitive responses. By fostering resilience and embracing adaptability, individuals can overcome the inherent challenges posed by change and instead harness its potential for personal growth and development.
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