Navigating Change: Understanding the Emotional Cycle Of Change and How To Overcome It
Change can be both exhilarating and terrifying. It can bring new opportunities and growth, but it can also be a source of stress and uncertainty. In order to successfully navigate change, it is important to understand the emotional cycle that often accompanies it. This cycle can be broken down into five distinct stages: uniformed optimism, uninformed pessimism, valley of despair, informed optimism, and success and fulfillment. By understanding these stages, you can better prepare yourself to overcome the challenges that come with change and ultimately achieve success.
Stage 1: Uniformed Optimism
The first stage of the emotional cycle of change is uniformed optimism. This is when you first become aware of the change and initially feel excited and optimistic about the possibilities it brings. This stage is characterized by a sense of excitement and anticipation about the future. However, it is important to note that this optimism is often based on limited information and can be unrealistic. According to a study by the Small Business Administration, about 20% of small businesses fail within the first year of operation. This is often due to the fact that many entrepreneurs are in the uniformed optimism stage when they start a business, and they don’t fully…
