Change Is Not Just A Part Of Life—It Is Life
Susanne Biro is a coach to C-suite and executive level leaders. She is also an author, designer, facilitator, TEDx and keynote speaker.
When has your world ever truly stood still? From birth, change defines us. Those early years—filled with first steps, words and discoveries—are so transformative that caregivers often sigh, 'It's just a phase.' Yet, as adults, we cling to stability, even as the world shifts beneath our feet.
The truth is, what's happening today won't last forever. This is especially relevant now as AI reshapes how we live and work. Political transitions, economic shifts and leadership changes add to the complexity. Change is inevitable. Our only choice is how we respond.
Spencer Johnson's Who Moved My Cheese? offers a simple but profound lesson: Those who adapt to change thrive, while those who resist stagnate. In the story, two mice and two tiny humans navigate a maze. When their cheese supply runs out, the mice quickly adapt and find new cheese, while the humans resist and complain. The enduring popularity of this parable underscores a vital truth: Adaptability is essential.
In today's fast-changing world, we must continually ask ourselves: What two or three key things should I focus on this year? This clarity helps us prioritize and feel focused.
Change can feel overwhelming, even terrifying. Yet, amid upheaval, some things remain constant: our core values, relationships and desire to contribute meaningfully. These unchanging elements can serve as anchors during turbulent times.
Daily routines provide necessary stability. When I lost my parents, my daily workout became my lifeline. For one hour each day, the gym interrupted my intense grief. Simple practices like sleep, exercise, meditation or time in nature can ground us when life feels chaotic.
Controlling what we can—what we eat, the media we consume and the people we surround ourselves with—also helps. After my mother's death, I eliminated alcohol and embraced a clean diet. I avoided sad or violent media, choosing only uplifting content. These choices created stability during an incredibly dark time.
In the corporate world, routines matter, too. While industries evolve and AI transforms work, a company's commitment to its weekly all-hands meeting or quarterly offsite can remain steadfast. These constants remind us of what remains stable as we navigate change.
Adapting to change often requires letting go of the old to make room for the new. This could mean abandoning habits, routines or systems that no longer serve us. For businesses, it might involve phasing out outdated products or processes.
To identify what needs to change, ask:
• What isn't working anymore?
• If we were starting from scratch, what would we focus on now?
Letting go can be difficult, even when the change is positive. Moving to your dream home, for example, means saying goodbye to the memories of your old one. Mixed emotions—excitement, sadness, overwhelm—are normal. Anticipate them.
Here are ways to ease the process:
• Reflect: Write about what you're leaving behind and what you will miss.
• Celebrate: Honor the past with a small ceremony. A team could celebrate the retirement of a product that served them well.
• Take Action: Donate or repurpose items symbolizing the past. Reorganize your workspace to signal a fresh start.
Change stirs up a range of emotions. Even exciting transitions, like a promotion or marriage, can bring nervousness or nostalgia. Suppressing these feelings makes it harder to move forward.
To support their teams, leaders can:
• Share change stories. Share a significant change you've adapted to and encourage team members to do the same in small groups.
• Provide support. Offer resources like coaching, peer group meetings or training to help people adapt.
The Change Curve, based on the Kübler-Ross model of grief, outlines four stages of emotional response to change:
1. Shock And Denial: Initial resistance or disbelief.
2. Frustration And Anger: Emotional reactions as reality sets in.
3. Exploration And Acceptance: Beginning to engage with the change.
4. Commitment And Growth: Fully embracing the change and thriving.
For example, when a company introduces new technology, employees may initially deny its usefulness (Stage 1). Frustration may follow as they face a learning curve (Stage 2). Over time, they begin to explore its benefits (Stage 3) and eventually integrate it into their workflows (Stage 4).
Leaders can use the Change Curve to guide their teams:
• During Shock And Denial: Focus on clear communication.
• In Frustration And Anger: Provide a safe space for concerns.
• During Exploration And Acceptance: Offer training and celebrate early progress.
• In Commitment And Growth: Acknowledge successes and encourage reflection.
Remember, as a leader, you may be further along the Change Curve than your team. Allow time for them to process and adapt.
Leaders in 2025 face challenges: rapid technological advancements, political changes and upheaval, continued workplace dynamics (remote, hybrid, in-person), to name a few. Remember to:
• Share the vision. Connect changes to the company's mission and values.
• Involve the team. Foster conversation and sharing to make employees feel like part of the process.
• Offer learning opportunities. Provide education and training to build necessary skills.
• Build trust. Create an environment where it's safe to experiment and learn from mistakes.
Choose one or two key skills to develop this year. AI literacy is a must, as these tools are reshaping industries.
But also build your ability to navigate uncertainty. Practice managing your emotions during change. Reflect on your feelings and find healthy outlets to process them. This will help you stay grounded as change swirls around you.
Change isn't just a challenge; it's also an incredible opportunity. Ask yourself:
• What will always matter to me?
• How much better could these changes make my work and life?
• What am I most excited about as I look toward the future?
When you embrace change, you don't just survive—you thrive. Commit to learning new skills and strengthening your resilience. You have dealt with change your entire life. It is both sad and hard to say goodbye to what we have known, especially if we loved it. It is also exciting and rewarding to embrace something new that can make our lives and work easier and better. Remember, you have adapted to change your entire life!
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