What Does Change Mean to You?

Those of you who regularly follow my monthly blogs will know that the focus with the first one of the month is to outline the meaning of a specific word which has important relevance to the business world.

This month, however, I’m taking a slightly different approach. Rather than giving a prescriptive, overriding explanation, I want anyone reading this blog to

stop and consider what the chosen word means to you.

That’s because I believe the topic I want to explore this month – CHANGE – can mean something different to so many people.

Ask 100 people in a survey what change means to them, and you’ll get a broad range of answers – it could be deeply personal change only relevant to them, political change, economic change, or societal change.

Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus captured the importance of the word in his famous quote: “The only constant in life is change.” Quite simply, whatever we think about change and how we react to it, it WILL happen.

Whilst a very small word, there’s no doubt that change carries immense weight.

So, pause for a moment, and ask yourself ‘What does change mean to me?’

Does it spark excitement and opportunity?

Does it stir up fear and resistance?

Does it mean growth – the process of ‘becoming,’ sometimes intentionally and sometimes unexpectedly? This could be starting a new career, ending a relationship, or simply choosing to see the world in a different light.

What is your standard response to change? Photo Tengyart Unsplash

Whatever your answer, change isn’t always easy.

It often arrives unannounced - disrupting the comfort zones we’ve built so carefully. It challenges us to let go of what’s familiar and step into the unknown, and that uncertainty can be terrifying.

But despite this, there can be the potential for discovery, transformation, and renewal.   

In conclusion, be clear about what change means to you. Is it a friend or a foe? Is it a storm or a sunrise?

Whatever your answer, remember this. Change isn’t something to be feared. Instead, it’s a sign that you’re alive, learning, and moving forward.

Embrace it.

Look out for the next articles in this series – “How to embrace change,” “The importance of embracing change,” and “The benefits of embracing change.”

If you need further information about these approaches, or any other resilience topic, please contact russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk.