Adapting to Change

Would you prefer to be a butterfly or a catapiller?  The butterfly is appealing to most because of its beauty and the freedom to fly,  but some people choose to remain a caterpillar because the cocoon of a catepillar is comforting and safe. Remaining in a cocoon is equivelent to staying in our comfort zone, which provides temporary advantages. The advantages of choosing to remain in a cocoon is comfort and saftey, but the disadvantages are far greater. The disadvantages of choosing not to evolve into a butterfly and leave the coocon is stagnation, isolation and the perpetual cycle of fear. Choosing to avoid our fears or change can be much more draining than facing the dragon. 

Yes, change can be stressful, but also very rewarding.  The advantages of confronting our stressors and change is increased self-esteem, accomplishment, and growth. The disadvantages of stepping out into the circle of change are fear of failure, fear of the unknown and performance pressures. There is far more risk in lost opportunity by staying in  the cocoon then adjusting to change.

To do or not to do reenforces our beliefs about ourself. For example, when we confront our fear and adapt to the change it strengths belief in self and expands self-esteem. On the contrary when we stay close to the harbor and choose not to venture into unknown waters we foster self-doubt, which contines to expand.

Stepping out of our  comfort zone can be done gradually by taking “baby steps”. For example, one can desensitize and overcome the fear of meeting new people, by talking to one new person a day.

Reflection questions?

1.       What is your cocoon?

2.       What are two advantages of your cocoon?

3.       What are you missing out on by remaining in your cocoon?

4.       Where have you been a butterfly and what advantages did you gain?

Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt. Only by being open to change will you have a true opportunity to get the most from your talent. Nolan Ryan

LT. Valerie R. Vestal, MSN, RN