Navigate Change Like a Pro in Life and Business

Dana Poul-Graf, Founder & Strategic Thought Partner, Key&Spark 

The world is moving at an ever-faster pace with change being the only constant in both our personal lives and the organizations we work in. Our brains and bodies might find it challenging to keep pace with the relentless changes, often leading to feelings of being overwhelmed. However, embracing change doesn’t have to be an ordeal. With the right strategies and a readiness to experiment and see what works, navigating transitions can become smoother and more manageable. Learn how to adapt more easily and make the best out of the given circumstances.

1. Why does change feel so uncomfortable, even when we know it’s coming?

Because our brains love stability, uncertainty feels like a threat, so we naturally resist it. But fear doesn’t have to take over. 

When we shift our focus from what we can’t control to what we can, communicate openly, and take small steps forward, change starts to feel a lot less overwhelming. 

In an organizational setting, leaders can reduce resistance and win the confidence of their teams by setting out clear goals and a specific game plan to achieve them. We can use the same approach in our personal lives.

And of course, let’s not forget to treat ourselves with some compassion - change is uncomfortable, and frustration is normal. You don’t have to react right away. Let your emotions settle, step back, and then decide the most beneficial way to respond. 

2. What’s the key to staying steady when everything around you is shifting?

It’s all about mindset, perspective, and giving yourself time to accept. Acceptance may happen over time, and it helps to acknowledge what you may be losing, what you deliberately leave behind, and what you want to take with you to the other side of this change. You may not control the change, but you can control your reaction. 

Keep in mind that taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. When you’re well-rested and recharged, you’re better equipped to handle the unknown with clarity and confidence. Eat well, sleep sufficiently, connect with friends or loved ones to create the right mental space to process change and view it not as a threat but as an opportunity.

3. How can you turn uncertainty into an opportunity instead of a roadblock?

See change as a door, not a dead end. The most innovative companies don’t just survive uncertainty, they use it to rethink strategies, launch new ideas, and grow. We can do the same by asking: What’s possible now that wasn’t before? Instead of getting stuck in the unknown, lean into curiosity, take small risks, and see where change can actually work in your favor. 

Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Give yourself the time and space to process, adjust, and find the benefits, no matter how small.