8 Mindsets that Hinder Us From Embracing Change  

There are great fears embedded inside of us that hinder us from embracing change. The following statements are mindsets that hinder us from evolving as leaders. Most of these beliefs center around the word, “I.” Making changes will cause us to make sacrifices that will disrupt our lives, but these changes are the very things that will help a generation of people.  

As you go through the list, indicate what barriers in your own thinking that you need to confront so that you can be a leader who embraces new opportunities. 

1. “I am too smart; I never get it wrong.” Change sometimes means we have to admit that we were wrong. We may have held on to a particular belief because people we trusted told us that this was the truth. It is difficult to evolve because our emotions are tied to the fact that the person that taught us something gave us faulty information.  

2. “I am in control of everything.”  We cannot control any outward mechanisms. The only thing we can control is our response to the outward forces that impact our lives. As time goes on, people on the earth are going to evolve. One way or another, the constant changes surrounding us are going to pressure us to change if we want to remain relevant. 

3. “I am lonely.” Change can be lonely. There are times where change will cost us our relationships. As a leader, you have to decide if you are going to stay stagnant because you want company, or if you will feel lonely for a time to experience transformation.

4. “I already have enough on my plate.” A change will sometimes give you more responsibility. More responsibility is going to mean we have to work harder.  More responsibility means that we have to be even more disciplined. Being more disciplined means giving up certain pleasures and giving up doing things “our way.” 

5. “I do not think I am ready.” When we feel inadequate, we have to be reminded of the power that is inside of us. Sometimes we may not feel fully prepared, but this is a chance to have faith that all things are going to work out for our good. 

6. “I am comfortable here.”  There are times where we resist change simply because it feels good to be where we are at the moment. This may be the most peace you have experienced so you don’t want to ruin it. Our fear of the unknown has hindered us from moving forward. 

7. “What if it does not work out?”  We are afraid of evolving because we think that it is too risky. What if we lose friends or customers? What if our lives go in a different direction?  Let’s change our thoughts to: What if everything goes well?  What is going to happen when I soar?  What can happen when I believe that I can?  

8. “This is too painful. It hurts.”  There are unexpected and painful changes that we all will have to endure in life. These unexpected events in life do force us to have to alter our way of life. Painful unexpected moments are going to require us to reach out for the necessary help that will help us navigate through this new normal in our lives. 

Change can be terrifying. We learn how to adapt to change by addressing mindsets that are not leading us closer to the upgraded leader that we want to be.