Why is change so uncomfortable?
Change is inevitable. As much as we crave stability and predictability, life continues to shift—often in ways we can't control. And that truth? It can be really hard to sit with.
Whether it’s planned or unexpected, welcome or unwelcome, change can feel destabilizing. It disrupts our routines, challenges our sense of safety, and pushes us out of our comfort zones. Even when it's something we want, change brings unfamiliarity—and with it, discomfort.
For many, change can feel like walking through thick fog. You can’t see what’s ahead. Your usual signposts are hidden, and each step feels uncertain. That disorientation? It's real. It's human. And it’s part of the process.
Why Do We Struggle With Change?
When faced with uncertainty, we all cope differently:
Some of us get anxious, trying to plan for every possible outcome in hopes of staying “safe.”
Others might avoid the change altogether, distracting themselves or shutting down emotionally.
Some try to face it directly, step by step, doing the best they can with what they know.
None of these responses are wrong. Most of us move between them depending on what’s changing, how prepared we feel, and what kind of support we have. But the common thread is this: change is vulnerable. And vulnerability can feel scary.
Discomfort Doesn’t Mean Something Is Wrong
The fear, doubt, or overwhelm you feel when something changes isn't a sign of failure. It's often a sign of growth. When we step outside our comfort zones, we confront uncertainty, and that’s where transformation begins.
Discomfort is not the enemy. It’s an indicator that something important is happening. You’re moving. Shifting. Growing.
How to Work Through Change and the Unknown
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Name what you’re feeling without judgment. Fear, sadness, hope, grief—it all belongs. There’s no “right” way to react.
Focus on What You Can Control
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start with one small step, one moment of presence. The rest will come.
Stay Open to Possibility
Not all change is bad. The unknown also holds potential for growth, connection, and meaning you may not yet see.
Lean on Support
Talk to someone you trust—a friend, loved one, or therapist. You don’t have to navigate change alone.
Practice Self-Compassion
Be gentle with yourself. Transitions are complex, even when they lead somewhere beautiful. Give yourself permission to take it slow.
The goal isn't to be perfectly okay with change, but to be kind to yourself as you move through it. Growth doesn't require certainty—it just asks that you stay curious, open, and compassionate with yourself along the way.
You don’t need to see the whole path. You just need to take the next step.
