When change comes at us, it's tempting to ignore it, hide, put it off or generally just try to escape thinking about it. Leaning in is a great description of what to do when we feel like doing the opposite. If we can develop the habit of leaning in to small changes and large, we'll soon get the hang of a key life skill.
Change is the new Constant
How many times have we been reminded that change is the new constant. Yet accepting change can still feel like an insurmountable challenge. We cling to familiarity like a safety blanket, afraid to look at, or step into the unknown.
But what if the very act of embracing change is what sets us free? What if, by leaning into the discomfort, we unlock a world of new possibilities?
Accepting change sometimes only requires a small shift in thinking.
Leaning in to change might only take a small shift in thinking
For many years I had grappled with making a life decision that would yield greater personal and financial independence. I landed a new contract role as a Change Manager after something of a dry-employment-spell. It felt like a suitable time to finalise the decision and start the ball rolling. It was tough, but the decision had been made and felt like the right thing for me to do.
One week later, my contract was cancelled. This was unwanted change to say the least. It did not calibrate well with the life decisions I was making.
For me, the turning point in getting through this turbulent began with a small hand gesture. Lying awake one sleepless night, churning through the worry, the what-ifs and the stress, I realised I had the tools to manage this change, but first I needed to accept it before I could get it under control. With that in mind, I turned my palms upwards in a gesture of accepting a gift - my moment of leaning in. I chose to see my situation as just a change - neither positive or negative - and set about getting together an action plan.
By letting go of our attachment to the status quo, we open our minds to new ideas and possibilities. Letting go may not be easy as our brains are wired to seek comfort and stability, but we can start by making it really simple.
It starts with Acknowledgement
Getting the best out of change begins with acknowledgement. Instead of resisting change, we can learn to recognise that with every ending comes a new beginning.
By resisting change - ignoring it, running away from it - we create a trap for ourselves and we can become stuck. We can become hyper-focussed on one or two elements of the change that we find particularly unacceptable. Once we shed the resistance, we can discover the full extent of the change and place everything in context.
There might be difficult aspects to confront, but there will also be a newfound sense of freedom and possibility. Doors that were once closed suddenly swing open, revealing opportunities we never knew existed.
Leaning in is the hardest part because after acknowledging the change, we're able to fully face it. It's only after embracing the change we'll be able to see the new possibilities. When we let go of the familiar, we make room for innovation and growth. We see the world with fresh eyes.
Even though it might seem daunting, embracing change brings surprising rewards.
The Part after the Hardest Part
Leaning into change allows us to go beyond mere acceptance. After acknowledging the change, we're able to actively engage with the process of transformation. This might mean letting go of old habits, beliefs, and patterns that no longer serve us, and opening ourselves up to the unknown. It can be like a leap of faith, trusting that the path forward will reveal itself in time.
We can set a plan, allowing us to be in control of how we deal with the change. With each step forward, we become more resilient, more adaptable, and more attuned to the rhythm of change. We learn to face uncertainty with grace and confidence, knowing that every twist and turn is simply part of the pathway. Either we need to adjust our plan slightly to adapt, or we stay the course.
In the end, leaning into change is not just about getting by, it's about shaping our lives in a way that works for us and using change as a catalyst for something better, surprising or joyful. It's about embracing the full spectrum of human experience, from the excitement of success to the pains of disappointment. It's about recognising that every ending is also a new beginning, and that within every challenge lies an opportunity for growth.
In the act of embracing change we're truly dealing with life and becoming ready for the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
It's easier with a mentor. We can help you understand your change and make an action plan that puts you in control.
The phrase "Lean In" was popularised by Sheryl Sandberg, at that time the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook.
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