Man Just Go!

Periods of drastic change are inevitable. Dealing with the discomfort caused by change can feel like botching a note in the final measure of a piano recital- Both defeating and deflating. Whether it’s a job promotion, big move, or a new roommate- Adjusting is less about instant gratification and more so about working your way back to a state of equilibrium little by little, as if training for a marathon. Here go some ManJustGo marathon endurance training steps to expanding your comfort zone when dealing with change:

1) Be Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

When you reach new grounds, your body reacts like a fish out of water (no pun intended). It desires nothing more than to jump back into the pond of comfort. The tiniest of challenges like not remembering which new cabinet houses the glassware or knowing the quickest way to get to the ballpark can feel dreadful. Just chalk this anxiety up to growing pains, you’re stretching your boundaries. You’ve started to run.

2) Small Routines are Key

Think of big change as the top three starting pitchers on your rival’s team mowing down your lineup during back to back nights of a key homestand. Small routines are the rally starting bunt singles that change everything. Developing a coffee ritual, incorporating walks into your daily routine, and praying at the same time every night before bed can help you regain ownership of your world. These small routines will eventually knot together to form the fabric of your new life. You’re running regularly.

3) Don’t Stick to Schedule

I don’t know about you but life is absolutely amazing when everything goes according to plan. Why shouldn’t we expect for everything to be perfect? While we may give ourselves adjustment periods, the reality is that adjusting to change can take SIGNIFICANTLY longer than expected. Give yourself some grace- rushing only makes things more annoying. You’re now a runner.

4) Curiosity, Not Judgement

Handle change from a curious perspective instead of from one of judgement. Explore new local businesses, read the training manual for your new role, and learn as much as you can. Let fascination replace your fears. You’re running further and further.

5) Be Awkward and Build Connections

The benefits of a strong support system are undeniable. We’re not talking about sibling replacing relationships here- just individuals to giggle and converse with. Those you initially meet while going through a change are generally the same ones you build lasting relationships with. Build small talk at the coffee house, take a group coding course, join a running team.

The more you run, the more steps you leave behind. Allow yourself to appreciate change’s duality of what was and what now is. Just because the present is uncertain doesn’t mean you should lose excitement for the future. Accepting this is part of adjustment. It’s not simply flipping a switch from beginning to end. It’s about learning to combine the phrases made by handling discomfort to create a forward moving melody. As time passes, you accept the challenge for what it is, and questions get answered- You eventually realize that you’re no longer drowning in the rapid waters of change. You begin to swim again…..and now you can run a marathon…..

-Giovanni Alvarado