Change is an inevitable part of life that constantly shapes our personal and professional lives.
Without it, we will stagnate and miss opportunities for growth, innovation, and fulfilment. In our personal lives, we would face boredom, stunted development, and emotional stagnation. In the workplace, there would be little opportunity for career growth, limiting our motivation for innovation and productivity.
But while change is essential, our reactions to it are diverse. Some embrace it readily, while others instinctively resist, clinging to the familiar. Understanding the roots of this resistance is key to navigating change successfully.
We spoke with Swellendam psychologist Rina van der Watt, who shed light on the psychological factors at play, the common challenges we encounter in adapting to change in our personal and professional lives, and practical strategies for mitigating resistance and fostering greater resilience.
The roots of resistance
“When we talk about change, especially ‘positive change’, we often make assumptions that don’t reflect the reality of individual experiences,” Van der Watt observes. This disconnect is crucial to understanding why people resist change.
On a personal level, resistance to change can be deeply rooted in personality, neurology, and past experiences. Certain personality types, particularly those who thrive on routine and predictability, may find change inherently challenging. Past trauma, especially in a stressful environment like South Africa, can further complicate our ability to process change.
“Trauma puts the brain in a constant fight or flight mode,” Van der Watt emphasises. “And when the brain is in a fight or flight mode, cognition switches off. This means that we struggle to interpret and weigh new information. causing us to become stuck in our thinking.”
In the workplace, previous negative experiences with change, such as job insecurity, difficult colleagues, or bullying, can also create a conditioned aversion to future changes, especially if they evoke similar feelings or situations.
This aversion stems from several factors, including fear of the unknown, loss of control, disruption of routine, emotional attachment to the present, perceived threat to identity, and lack of trust.
These personal resistances often intersect with organisational dynamics. Van der Watt notes,
“While change is often implemented with the goal of organisational improvement, its impact on the workforce can be complex. In environments where communication or trust is a challenge, employees may view these changes with apprehension, even when the stated intent is positive,” she elaborates.
How can management bridge this gap and foster a more receptive environment for change?
Van der Watt stresses the importance of communication and consultation.
“If change is going to be implemented top-down, resistance to change can be expected, but managers need to consult and listen.
“Rather than simply imposing changes, managers should engage with their workforce, explaining the rationale behind the changes and actively seeking input.”
This approach not only addresses concerns but also empowers employees, making them feel valued and heard.
However, Van der Watt acknowledges that complete transparency isn’t always feasible.
“We need to be practical about this. Sometimes there are good reasons for not sharing everything with the workforce,” Van der Watt says.
She suggests that management should rather focus on understanding the organisational culture and values of their employees. This will enable them to explain the reasons for change in a way that resonates with their workforce.
Shifting your mindset
While management plays a crucial role in facilitating change at work, individuals also have a responsibility to manage their own reactions to change.
Instead of saying: “Management is again forcing us to make changes,” we should rather ask: “What’s in this for me? How can I make this work for me? What are the opportunities in this for me?”
This shift in mindset can help individuals identify potential benefits and adapt more readily.
Furthermore, self-awareness is key. Recognising personal stress levels and addressing underlying trauma or distress can significantly improve one’s capacity to handle change.
“If the level of stress is too much, or if we suffer from post-traumatic stress then our ability to adapt to change will be lessened,” Van der Watt points out.
Mindfulness practices are valuable tools for managing anxiety and cultivating presence.
“The most powerful moments are often those when we’re fully present,” observes Van der Watt. “Reflecting on our lives, we find that the times we truly enjoyed or felt alive were those spent in the here and now.”
Embracing the unknown
Ultimately, embracing change requires a willingness to let go of the past and focus on the present.
“Resistance to change is often caused by living in the past and not wanting to let go of the familiar,” Van der Watt suggests.
“By cultivating a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences, we can overcome our fear of the unknown and discover the opportunities that change can bring,” Van der Watt concludes.
Tips to thrive in the face of change
Acknowledge and validate your feelings: Recognise the feelings of discomfort, fear, or frustration that arise with change. Suppressing these emotions only makes them stronger.
Focus on the positive: Find the potential benefits and opportunities that change can bring. A shift in perspective can make change seem less threatening and more appealing.
Seek information and understanding: The more you understand about the change and the reasons behind it, the less scary it will seem. Ask questions, seek clarification, and do your research.
Break it down: Large changes can feel overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes the change process less daunting and allows for a sense of progress.
Build a support system: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues about your concerns and seek their support. Sharing your feelings can help you process them and gain perspective.
Focus on what you can control: While you can’t always control the change itself, you can control your response to it. Focus on what you can influence and take proactive steps to adapt.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay in the present moment and manage the anxiety associated with change.
Be patient and kind to yourself: Adapting to change takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and don’t expect to adjust overnight. Practice self-compassion and celebrate small victories.
If you are struggling with change in your personal life or in the workplace, don’t hesitate to reach out to LifeAssist.