Many of us feel the most comfortable living our lives by following a routine. In many cases, that routine involves a steady job, fruitful relationships and a stable home environment. However, life can throw curve balls, and what we think we know gets turned on its head. When that happens it’s common to feel fearful because of characteristic uncertainty, but it’s important to try to shift perspectives.
The unknown doesn’t have to be scary; instead, it can be a source of infinite possibilities, especially if you learn how to adopt a positive attitude that can bolster your spirit and carry you through those uncertain times.
Visualize A Brighter Future
It’s understandable if you feel tempted to dwell on how things could potentially go wrong as you embark into new, unexplored territory. For example, if you’ve just been laid off and are forced to find a new job as soon as possible, you may tell yourself that it’s more likely you’ll be job searching for months, only to eventually find something that’s not a very good fit. Avoid thinking about that possibility and visualize a happier one instead. Know that your job search will be surprisingly short and it’ll end up giving you the opportunity to work in a job that’s much more satisfying than you ever dreamed. Rather than automatically adapting a worst-case scenario mentality, trust in your abilities and believe that your future will be better than your present way of life.
Don’t Rule Anything Out
People often have such concrete aspirations in life that they become very nervous if there are any deviations from those goals. In uncertain times, everything we thought our life would be can seem irrelevant in a second; however, that doesn’t mean life is meaningless and that it’s impossible to do anything worthwhile. When it’s not clear which path you’ll take in the future, give yourself the freedom to explore all possibilities. Maybe you’ve always wanted to work for the Peace Corps, travel the world or move to your favorite city. Those kinds of big decisions require a lot of courage and forethought, but when your situation in life changes without warning, that’s the perfect excuse to do something you’d never consider if life was more normalized and along the lines of what you know.
Have A Good Support Network
Dealing with changes in life feels overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to have a good network of support. Whether it’s made up of colleagues, family members or friends, those people can help you adopt a more positive attitude even when life’s challenges suggest it’d be easier to give up. Depending on your needs and situation, consider hiring the expertise of a mental health professional, such as a therapist, too.
Consider Everything As An Adventure
When things are different from what you have come to expect, it can be tempting to adopt a mindset that’s driven by chaos and one that makes you feel sorry for yourself. Instead, coach yourself to remember that you’re an empowered, resilient individual. Rather than thinking that every new experience you take part in is something to fear, try to see it as an adventure. Chances are you’ll come away from the experience as a stronger, or at least wiser, person.
Now that you have these tips for embracing changes with a positive attitude, it should be easier to stay strong through life’s storms. Even when everything feels extremely uncertain and you’re sure your future is in flux, your perspective on the situation is a powerful tool. Stay upbeat and expect life will take an upward turn as a result.
