How to Navigate This Season of Change
Autumn is a season of change. It’s a time when we are called to adapt to changes in our environment, cooler weather, and shorter days in the Northern Hemisphere. This is a time when you might be thinking of making some changes to your home (before family and friends come for the holidays), to your body (to ward off end-of-the-year weight gain), or to your finances (budgeting for holiday spending or investing).
We may think about making changes, dream about them, plan for them – and then there comes the time to take action. You might be feeling excited about the results you imagine, and for some reason, changing a habit, starting a new routine, or making a lifestyle change for your physical or financial health becomes next to impossible. Why are these so difficult?
We are wired to resist change.
Our brains are designed to run on autopilot, where we don’t have to give much thought to our established patterns of thinking, feeling, and doing. That means it takes effort and energy when we want to make a change. It also means giving up what we have known, and that can feel scary.
Resistance can sound like this:
- “I’m comfortable doing what I know how to do.”
- “I don’t want to give up what is familiar.”
- “I’m afraid of the unknown.”
To change anything, we must do something different on purpose. Change might require letting go of a thought, a belief, or a pattern to make room for something new and better. It might require having trust and faith in yourself that you can do it.
Tips for Embracing Change
- Start Small: You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Focus on one small change at a time. Whether it’s adjusting your morning routine, setting aside a bit more savings, or preparing healthier meals, small steps lead to big results over time.
- Create a Ritual: Anchor your new habit or change to something you already do daily. For example, if you’re trying to build a meditation practice, do it after brushing your teeth every morning. This linkage helps solidify new routines.
- Visualize Success: Picture what your life will look like once you’ve made the changes. Imagine how good it will feel. This positive anticipation can motivate you through moments of doubt or resistance.
- Celebrate Progress: No step is too small to celebrate. Acknowledge your wins—whether it’s the first week of sticking to a new budget or simply getting outside for a walk every day. Celebrating keeps the momentum going.
- Be Compassionate with Yourself: Change doesn’t happen in a straight line. If you slip up or get off track, it’s okay. What’s important is that you don’t give up. Treat yourself with kindness, and keep going.
Autumn is a reminder that change is not only natural but also beautiful. As the leaves fall and the landscape transforms, take the opportunity to embrace your own transformations, knowing that with patience, persistence, and self-compassion, you can make it through this season of change with a renewed sense of purpose and well-being.