Why We Are Afraid of Change: The Most Common Causes

Throughout our lives it is common for us to find moments in which we must carry out some change in our routine: leave our partner, change cities, dare to a new job, and so on. In these moments, in most of us, a feeling of fear and fear appears that can make us not dare to take that step and that, therefore, we remain anchored in our comfort zone.

You have to know that this feeling of fear and respect is very common and that, to a greater or lesser extent, we all end up living it, but where does it come from? In this Psychology-Online article we are going to discover you why are we afraid of change giving you the most common reasons as well as tactics so you can learn to overcome it.

Index

1. Most common causes of fear of change
2. Fear of job change
3. Fear of changing cities
4. Overcome the fear of change with these tips

When we have to make a change in our life, it is normal for us to feel a kind of fear that can resemble a feeling of vertigo and discomfort. Where does this emotion come from? There are many causes that make us fear and it is important to know them in order to face them and

Fear is one of the main enemies of happiness because, out of fear of the unknown, of not having control, in the end we end up living a life that is not bad but that does not satisfy us either full. Overcome that fear It is essential for you to live your life to the full and how you really want.

Here we will discover you why are we afraid of change indicating the most common causes and reasons:

Fear of not dominating the situation

This is one of the main reasons why we are afraid of change. We currently live in a reality that we control, is comfortable and easy to manage: our city, our work, our friends... This is what is called the "comfort zone" and, as the name suggests, here we are very comfortable and stabilized.

We control everything and we can control it. But, when some of this changes, it is when we begin to feel insecure, to feel that not everything is under our control and, therefore, this situation can cause us anxiety, fear and discomfort.

Fear of being wrong

Another of the main reasons why we are afraid of change is for fear of being wrong. It is clear that, within our comfort zone, we dominate everything and, therefore, we will hardly make mistakes; However, if we get out of here and explore other areas that are new to us, it will be easier for us to err and, therefore, for us to feel more vulnerable and weak.

In addition, if we make a slightly more drastic decision such as a change of partner or job, it is normal that this fear is even greater. But, as the saying goes "Who does not risk, does not win" so it is better to risk than to stay in a dominated site and without being 100% satisfied.

Fear of the unknown

And finally, another of the most common reasons why we fear change is that, in general, everything unknown tends to cause fear and insecurity in people. Walking through unfamiliar terrain means going down a path that we do not control at all and that, furthermore, we do not know what may bring us.

In this other article we will discover the physical and psychological effects of fear.

One of the most common fears in relation to changes is el fear of changing jobs. Why does this happen? Basically because it is in the workplace where more emotions related to self-confidence and self-esteemto. Therefore, in the face of a possible job change, it is common for us to have doubts about ourselves, such as "Will I be up to the job?"

The fear of job change is a common fear but one that we must overcome in order to allow ourselves to advance and grow in the work environment. If we allow ourselves to be guided by this fear, in the end we can get stuck in a profession or in a category that doesn't quite convince us. We can give more of ourselves but, for this, it is important that we believe in ourselves and, above all, that we dare to take the step.

In this other article we will discover the frequent fears due to low self-esteem.

There may also be the situation that you have wondered about why we are afraid of change due to the possibility of changing cities. It is the second most common fear that there is, together with the work that we have mentioned previously; The cause of this fear appears because our city is where we feel completely safe: we dominate transportation, neighborhoods, restaurants or places, we have our friends, work, etc.

A change of city it can mean a total life change, a fresh start and start your life over. And this always makes you dizzy. But that emotion cannot control us, we have to accept it and then overcome it. It is important that you understand why this situation is happening to you but that you also take courage and make the decision you really want. Don't let fear take it for you.

Now that you know why we are afraid of change, it is important that we know whatthe best way to overcome it Well, in this way, we will be able to avoid being the owner of our decisions. We have to learn to be ourselves the ones who guide our lives, fear is a natural emotion but it should never, ever, be our advisor.

Hear it, analyze it, but then get over it and dare to live how you really want to. This is the first step to enjoying a full and satisfying life.

• Think positive: in order to overcome the fear of change it is necessary that, instead of hearing only the negative that you can experience with this situation, give your mind a turn and think about everything you will learn, the feeling of well-being and satisfaction that you will have... It is important that you flip the coin so that you dare to take the step. The positive has to outweigh the negative, don't forget it!
• Cultivate your courage: it is a quality that, normally, we do not work to find ourselves in a known environment and that we master. However, in this life it is very important that we be brave, that we dare to take the step we want and that we are the ones who command our lives. Don't let yourself be overshadowed by fear and bring out your bravest side.
• Go step by step: you don't have to force yourself. This is essential because the situation itself is already causing you stress, therefore, the least you have to do is exert more pressure. Approach this change with a slow and calm attitude, try to see all the parts of the process and face them one by one. This is a simple way to move forward calmly and without stress.

And remember: fear is a normal emotion. Everyone is afraid of changes, although many people feel it as a new opportunity, an illusion, a challenge. Try to see it like that too and, in this way, you will be able to live as you really want.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Why We Are Afraid of Change: The Most Common Causes, we recommend that you enter our category of Emotions.