Not in the same boat (How we navigate change differently)

25 Feb

“We might be in the same ocean, but we are absolutely not in the same”

We all experience change differently. Some people jump into new opportunities with excitement, while others hesitate, weighing every risk. Some thrive in uncertainty, while others seek stability and control. So why do we navigate change so differently? What factors influence whether we embrace, resist, or cautiously approach change?

Understanding the psychology behind change can help us become more self-aware, adaptable, and resilient, allowing us to navigate life’s transitions with greater confidence.

When you take the Change Mastery test it gives you a profile of your change preference. This has been created based on a number of factors and considerations. Understanding your own approach to change helps you to navigate change better, and help others.

1. The Role of Personality in How We Handle Change

Our personality traits play a major role in shaping how we react to change. Psychologists often refer to The Big Five Personality Traits (or Factor Five Model) as a framework for understanding behaviour.

Openness – Reflects curiosity, creativity, and willingness to embrace new experiences. High openness individuals seek novelty and change, while low openness individuals prefer routine and familiarity.

Conscientiousness – Measures organisation, discipline, and goal-setting. Highly conscientious individuals plan ahead and approach tasks methodically, while those lower in conscientiousness tend to be more spontaneous and flexible.

Extraversion – Represents sociability, energy, and enthusiasm. Extraverts thrive in stimulating environments and embrace change actively, while introverts prefer reflection and may approach change more cautiously.

Agreeableness – Describes compassion, cooperation, and interpersonal harmony. Highly agreeable people are empathetic and value collaboration, while less agreeable individuals are more independent and assertive in their approach to change.

Neuroticism (Emotional Stability) – Measures emotional resilience and stress response. High neuroticism individuals may experience anxiety and stress during change, while emotionally stable individuals remain calm and adaptable in uncertain situations.

2. Past Experiences & Conditioning

Our personal history has a profound impact on how we perceive and respond to change.

Positive change experiences – If past changes have led to growth, excitement, or success, we are more likely to embrace change positively in the future.

Difficult or unstable changes – If past changes have resulted in stress, failure, or trauma, we may develop a more cautious approach.

Family & cultural influences – Our upbringing and cultural background shape our expectations of change. Some cultures encourage risk-taking and reinvention, while others emphasise stability and tradition.

3. Emotional Response & Mindset Towards Uncertainty

Change triggers different emotional responses. Some feel energised by the unknown, while others feel overwhelmed by a lack of control.

Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset – People with a growth mindset see change as an opportunity to learn and improve. Those with a fixed mindset may feel stuck, believing change is risky and uncomfortable.

Fear vs. Excitement – Physiologically, fear and excitement create similar bodily reactions (increased heart rate, adrenaline, heightened focus). The difference lies in how we interpret these feelings—as opportunities or threats.

4. Social & Environmental Influences

Our surroundings play a huge role in shaping how we deal with change.

Support Systems – Having friends, family, mentors, or colleagues who support and encourage change makes us more confident and adaptable. Without support, change can feel isolating and overwhelming.

Workplace Culture – Some companies create a more innovative culture, encouraging employees to take risks. Others prioritise stability and structure, making individuals more cautious in their approach.

Life Circumstances – Major life events like financial stability, health, or relationships can influence how comfortable we feel taking risks. Someone facing financial stress might be more cautious, while someone in a stable situation may feel more open to change.

5. Biological & Neurological Factors

Our brains are wired to resist change, a survival mechanism rooted in evolution. The amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for detecting threats, perceives change as a potential danger. This is why we often feel resistance or fear when faced with uncertainty.

However, neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire itself) means we can train ourselves to become more adaptable.

How to rewire your brain for change:
Practice small changes – Start with minor shifts (a new morning routine, a different route to work) to build adaptability.
Reframe fear as excitement – Instead of saying, "This is scary," say, "This is exciting, I’m learning something new!"
Use visualisation techniques – Picture yourself succeeding in a new situation to build confidence.

Playing with these 3 things can start to shift how you feel about change.

Why It’s Important to Understand Our Change Mindset

Recognising how we personally navigate change empowers us to:

Use our strengths – By understanding our natural approach, we can work with it instead of against it.
Improve our adaptability – We can develop skills to become more resilient and comfortable with uncertainty.
Support others through change – By understanding different Change Mastery approaches, we can help others adapt in a way that works for them.

There is no right or wrong way to experience change. The key is awareness, balance, and a willingness to grow.