Adapting to Change: A Perspective While Travelling

Change is often portrayed as a daunting and overwhelming force. Yet, the reality is that we adapt to change many times a day—sometimes smoothly, sometimes with a bit of fuss. When things don’t go as planned, we may react strongly, but often, we simply adjust to what’s needed in the moment.

The challenge with change that most of us encounter, however, tends to be within the workplace. Restructurings, reorganisations, or shifts in how work is done can trigger resistance. From personal experience—both mine and others’—resistance often seems to be the default position. Some common reasons include:

• The company doesn’t know what it’s doing.
• We’ve tried this before, and it failed.
• If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

But what if we looked at change from a different perspective—one inspired by travel?

When we choose to go on vacation, we inherently accept that everything will be different. The surroundings, the routines, even the everyday comforts—these all shift. We embrace the inconvenience, whether it’s long flights or unfamiliar environments, because we see it as part of the experience. And yet, when it comes to our daily lives, we often resist disruption.

I’ve noticed that change during holidays tends to be easier for me. I accept the unfamiliar, the inconvenience, and the new routines. But at home, when my usual schedule is disturbed, I tend to resist more. This makes me curious—what makes change feel easier and more acceptable in some situations, but not others?

So, I invite you to reflect:

• What makes change easy for you?
• What is your typical response when faced with a change?
• What strategies do you use to cope with change?
• When do you welcome change, and when do you dislike it?

I’m very keen to hear your thoughts on what makes change more acceptable and manageable for you.

Please share your insights in the comments—I look forward to reading them!

Until next time.