We are constantly facing changes, be it at home, in the workplace, or in any relationships. Sometimes the changes are so big that it shuts you inside your home for two years and sometimes, it’s just as simple as a meeting scheduled at the time you have allocated for breakfast.
Change can be exciting, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. One important attribute we need to instil is to accept and adapt to the changes that are out of our control. This phrase, “It is what it is,” may seem simple, but its power lies in its ability to help us let go of things we cannot change and focus on what we can control. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of accepting uncertainty and how it can help us thrive in the workplace and in life.
Don’t Waste Energy on Things You Cannot Control
How many times do you catch yourself a day worrying about things out of your control? The traffic, the weather, somebody’s attitude, etc. Try actually counting it and it might surprise you how much of your energy you spend on these things.
Stressing over things that are out of our control can be exhausting and unproductive. When we can’t change a situation, it’s important to accept it and move on. This frees up mental and emotional energy that can be better spent on things we can control. By focusing on the things we can control, we can work towards positive outcomes rather than getting bogged down by negativity and stress.
Be that person who is bouncing to music in a traffic jam where other people are ruining their horns and other’s ears.
Acceptance Leads to Better Adaptation
Accepting a situation for what it is can help us adapt and find solutions. When we resist change, it becomes harder to come up with new ideas and innovate. Accepting a change and looking for new opportunities and solutions can make us more resilient and adaptable. Embracing change can also make us more open-minded and creative, as we look for new ways to solve problems.
The best example for this is the many businesses and creators that were born during the lockdown. When most were worrying about the inconvenience of it all, some made the most of the unique situation. Of course, there were people who went through loss and other personal struggles and this is not for them, but to illustrate how acceptance leads to better adaptation.
Circle of Control: Focus on What You Can Influence
The circle of control is a powerful tool that helps us focus on the things we can influence instead of getting caught up in the things we cannot. By breaking down a situation into what we can control, what we can influence, and what we cannot control, we can prioritise our energy and resources effectively. This helps us avoid wasting time on situations that are out of our control and enables us to concentrate on the areas where we can make a difference.
Sure, you cannot do anything about the traffic. But you can plan to start early or maybe even a little later to avoid the traffic.
Embrace Uncertainty as an Opportunity
Uncertainty is a fact of life, especially in the current global climate. Rather than seeing it as a threat, we can choose to see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and innovate. Uncertainty can help us develop resilience and adaptability, both essential skills in the workplace. Embracing uncertainty can also push us out of our comfort zones and help us discover new possibilities.
Change is Inevitable: Make it Work for You
Change is inevitable, so the best thing we can do is to make it work for us. Whether it’s a new project or a restructuring of the company, we can use change as an opportunity to grow, learn, and develop new skills. Instead of fearing change, we can approach it with curiosity and optimism. This can help us see change as a positive force in our lives rather than a negative one.
Conclusion:
Learning to accept and adapt to change is an essential skill for people of today’s world. By embracing uncertainty and focusing on what we can control, we can become more resilient and adaptable. The phrase “It is what it is” can be a powerful tool for letting go of things we cannot change and concentrating on what we can. So the next time you face a new challenge at work or in life, remember to embrace uncertainty and make change work for you.