9 Aug 2022
I am in the midst of major transitions in my life.
I recently started a full-time job (again!). I am also a student actuary still left with 10 exams to clear before I qualify. As if my plate is not already full, I also run this blog which is not a very easy task as most people may think.
On top of this, my experiences in life have shown me that I am not someone who thrives in change. I have always appreciated the idea of doing things over and over to build a sense of familiarity and flow in my life.
Not everyone agrees, but change can be harmful if not navigated smartly. You can go from an ordinary-paced life to a full-on grind and vice versa. And it can get exhausting sometimes. It’s okay to take time to adjust to a new routine, a new practice, a new habit, a new lifestyle. Often, we are so busy focusing on the end goal that we suppress every emotion that could be a potential obstacle on the road.
If you resonate with me and struggle during change, the best advice I have for you is to build a sense of familiarity in your life. It’s going to help you in the following ways:
It will bring a sense of stability when things are shaky.
You will feel like you have control over some part of your life.
Familiarity means that you are usually aware of what comes next, thereby reducing uncertainty in some aspects of your life.
It will have a calming effect on your mind and in many cases, may prevent you from reaching burnout.
The most simple practices I use to build familiarity in my life are mentioned below.
I find comfort in simple day-to-day tasks that are usually a part of my routine. Eg- reading a book or journal and re-watching my favourite shows on Netflix.
I try to relate the transition to something that I have already experienced in the past. This opens doors for a potential direction in which things could move in the future and gives me time to plan my actions accordingly.
Sometimes, it also helps to talk to someone who has gone through a similar experience and is a few steps ahead in their journey.
I write everything down. I cannot emphasise the importance of writing everything down when things are uncertain. It’s like a free therapy session. After writing my thoughts on a piece of paper, sometimes, things don’t feel as scary as my mind makes them. Sometimes, they are even scarier. But in either case, I know that no matter what’s happening in the outside world, at least I am aware of the thoughts and feelings that sit inside me.
Remember: It is okay to feel scared to navigate through life when things get tough. But instead of letting this feeling overpower you, find ways to defeat it by showing up with courage. If you decide to show up, you’ve already won half of the battle.