Change is a choice: Embrace your power to transform
The majority of us see change as a blind scary leap into the unknown—a scary evolution that demands we give up on everything we know. But what if we reframed change, not as something that happens to us, but as something we actively choose?
Traditionally people perceived change in black-and-white terms: either you can change, or you can’t. That kind of thinking sets us up for failure by assuming that change requires some grand, perfect plan or major shift in direction. However, we also have the power to make small changes, no matter how minor they seem. And it’s these small changes that, over time, lead to profound transformation.
Fear Takes the Wheel
The most common reason people resist change is fear. And fear takes many forms: fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and fear of making the wrong move hold us back from making choices that could improve our lives. The fear of taking that first step is often so overwhelming that we decide to stay stuck, because inaction feels safer than risking the potential for discomfort or failure. We keep telling ourselves, “I’m not ready yet,” or “I’ll probably fail.” But these stories we tell ourselves only deepen our sense of powerlessness. They might make us feel comfortable by letting us off the hook, but these excuses don’t help us become more capable, either.
The issue is that fear doesn’t just make us inactive; it keeps us stuck. As humans, we’re always making choices—consciously or unconsciously. The hamster running on its wheel is a perfect metaphor here: it runs tirelessly, not because it doesn’t have the ability to stop, but because it doesn’t choose to stop. At any moment, that hamster can step off the wheel. And in many instances, so can you.
The Cost of Inaction
You have more control than you think.
Staying stuck is a decision in itself, one that often carries a higher price than taking a leap. Consider this: Even if you stand in the middle of the road, you risk getting run over. This is the paradox of fear: We’re afraid of making a “bad” choice, yet the failure to choose can often be the most costly decision we make.
Research on organizational change shows how employees who resist change are more likely to experience disruption, anxiety, and negative emotions the longer they resist, which can make changing in the future even harder. Unchecked resistance can decrease productivity, lower morale, cause project delays, and increase turnover. Leaders and organizations that proactively manage resistance by building trust, clarity, and support can transform these challenges into opportunities for growth and adaptation.
In contrast, those who embrace even small, incremental changes are more likely to experience increased confidence, a sense of accomplishment, and a willingness to face bigger challenges. The learning? It’s the small wins that build momentum.
In his 20 years as manager of the All Blacks, the New Zealand Rugby team, Darren Shand has seen how embracing even small change can catalyze teams to perform in remarkable ways. For over a decade, the All Blacks were the top ranked rugby team in the world, driven largely not just by talent but by embracing trust, positivity, and growth: “During my time with the All Blacks, I learned that transformation rarely comes from radical change—it comes from consistent small choices made with purpose. At the highest level, we found that growth was less about doing more, and more about doing the little things better, every single day.”
The Power of Minor Shifts
So, what’s holding you back from better embracing change? Instead of seeing change as a monumental task, think of it as a series of small choices that add up over time. Start small: maybe it’s trying a new hobby, having a conversation with someone that you’ve been avoiding, or taking a short walk every day. These tiny decisions may seem insignificant in the moment, but they’re the building blocks of personal transformation. Each time you make a choice to step out of your comfort zone, no matter how small, you’re signaling to yourself that change is possible.
Ready for Change? Consider This
If you’re ready to embrace change, start by asking yourself a few simple but powerful questions:
- What’s the cost of staying where I am? Reflect on what you’re risking by not making a change. Sometimes, the discomfort of the present moment is less painful than the long-term consequences of staying stuck.
- What ONE small step can I take today? Change doesn’t have to be grandiose. What’s one tiny action you can take today that will start to shift your course?
- What am I afraid of? Often, fear is exaggerated in our minds. What is the worst thing that could happen if you tried something new? Could the benefits outweigh the risks?
- Who can support me in this change? Change doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Who can be your accountability partner, or who can offer guidance along the way?
By asking these questions, you’ll gain clarity on why change matters to you and how you can begin to make it happen, step by step.
Change is Always a Choice
Change is not as hard or as out of reach as we often make it out to be. The key is recognizing that, just like a hamster on its wheel, you have the power to stop running in circles—and step off. You have the power to make a change, however small, and with each choice, your world transforms. In the end, so much of the change we face isn’t something that happens to us. It’s something we choose.