How to Make Change Tolerable
For years, I told people I loved change. I liked the spark of building something new, of transforming things for the better. The truth? I loved change I could control. Control is mostly an illusion—but that’s another story. Change is constant and we rarely get to choose which changes we face. Since it’s inevitable, we might as well become friends with it.
- Start at the foundation. Thriving in change begins with how well you take care of yourself: sleep, hydration, movement, nutrition and relationships where you feel safe and connected. It’s all interconnected. Focus on one thing and watch the ripple: when I move my body, my sleep improves. When I drink enough water, my energy sustains. When I feed myself well, I can show up for a friend without feeling depleted.
- Recognize the change cycle. Change is a kind of loss and loss mirrors grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. Stages aren’t linear and they aren’t predictable. You may resist, fight, bargain or shut down. The key is to notice it, name it, honor it. Acceptance comes easier when you stop resisting.
- Embrace the unknown. Change shakes up the familiar but it also opens space for growth. I once believed an early career role was perfect—until a layoff showed me there was more waiting. Process the grief, release the loss and the next opportunity can meet you fully. The bigger the change, the greater the potential for transformation. When everything feels like it’s falling apart, it’s the perfect moment to rebuild exactly as you’ve always wanted. And yes—hydration helps.
Inside Leadership is a monthly column by ME Clarke Consulting for Cincy Magazine, where industry professionals reflect on the habits, mindsets and experiences that shape effective leadership. Read past versions of the column on Cincy Magazine’s website.
