Fear Of Change Or Newness

Written by Chantal Debrosse | June 16, 2012 | No Comments

Ever wonder what the word for fear of change is? Maybe I just think too much but I just had to look it up. I found that more than one word exists. Both have their roots in the Greek language. One word is cainotophopia where kainotēs means newness (from kainos, meaning new) and phobia means fear. The other word is Neophopia!

Sometimes it’s good to know what something is called so that you can face it and acknowledge it. Obviously, it is a part of the human condition if we have words for it. Two is more than plenty for me. So, now that you know the words for fear of change, what are you going to do about it when it shows up in your life?

Staying in the fear of newness keeps us stuck where we are. It is no coincidence that new and knew are pretty close to each other. In order to know more things you have to experience new things, things that take us outside of our comfort zone, right? When we buckle under life’s weight, it is usually because too many new things challenge our present perspective. When these challenges appear over and over again, it just may be time to make some changes. And by the way, the sooner, the better. Change whatever you are doing or whatever you are thinking, and change it now.

How do you get started? I’ll share with you what I’ve done.

First, listen to your inner guidance. Don’t confuse it with the damaging repetitive thoughts that you’ve entertained in the past. Listen to the voice that is asking you to grow. When you’re on the right track, you’ll know it’s right and you’ll probably be scared.
Second, make an inspired plan. While in a state of positive awareness, no matter how partial your positivity is, create your plan on how you will make the changes in your life and write it all down on paper or in your computer. I prefer paper because it seems to help me have more of a mind/body connection. Then I use the computer to clean it up and organize it. Use whatever method is best for you. While you are writing your plan, envision reaching each step and envision your successful outcome.
Third, take inspired action. Without action, your plan will fly away like birds migrating for the winter. Maybe the idea will come back, but the truth is that some birds don’t survive the journey. Your idea may not survive migrating away from the present. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a great idea and thought I would remember it later just to have it gone within hours. Without inspired action you cannot have a place for your birds of inspiration to roost. By nurturing your ideas and giving them a way to be expressed, you will find that you will have new ideas to support your vision.
Fourth, put aside going off track. Write down those ideas that take you off track and get back to them later once you have accomplished your goal. These ideas will be there for you later. Stick with the inspired plan and you will find that you will not only make you goal come to fruition, you will also see that you have become more than you dreamed you would be.
Fifth, and finally, take time to stop all of your thinking and doing for a few moments each day. Then pick one day in your week where you can rest your mind. Let your mind rest while doing something that is simple and fun for you and you will find that your batteries will be recharged and you will have more focus when you return to your tasks.

Imagine all that can be attained just by deciding to face change and embracing it. If you know how to deal with the fear and are prepared for it, you’ll have no problem with kicking fear in the pants any time it shows up. Before you know it, that fear will appear less and less as you know how to handle it.