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Asian woman blowing birthday cake with friends.

Why Major Life Changes Are Scary But Exhilarating

Life changes may prompt a level of anxiety, but they’re exciting, too. Find out why embracing these milestones gives you an adrenaline rush.

January 2, 2024
Read Time: 4 Minutes

Why You Think You Fear Change>

Why You Should Actually Love Change>

Major life changes are exciting.>

Life shifts take you somewhere.>

You get a fresh start every time.>


How to Handle Change Better>

Study the benefits.>

Face it head-on.>

Take it one step at a time.>


You may be inclined to believe that many people are averse to life changes. However, this assumption isn’t quite accurate. From breaking up with your partner to trading your condo for a better one, change is a natural occurrence that you generally welcome – inadvertently or not.

Why You Think You Fear Change

Asian woman with concerned face looking at laptop in the office.
Any apprehension you feel over a change is understandable – but it’s also surmountable.

Words like stability, guarantee, and reliability are warm blankets that keep you cozy in your comfort zone. Unfortunately, according to the Handbook of NeuroLeadership, their antithesis – the uncertainty that comes with change – registers in your brain as an error that you must rectify.

Whether switching up your hair part or making a career change in your 30s, sometimes you just need time to adjust.

Here are other reasons you might be averse to change

  • Your history. Negative past experiences with change may have programmed you to react negatively.
  • Loss of control. You might be afraid that loosening your grip on the steering wheel might lead you astray.
  • Lack of gratification. You may not see how the change will benefit you.

Why You Should Actually Love Change

Young Asian woman with two toned hair laughing.
Change becomes less scary when you realize that you seek it out more often than you realize.

You don’t need a psychologist to tell you that change is a part of life. Do you recall how, when you were 12, you wanted to grow up? How about now that you’re planning to invest in a car? These "typical" milestones are examples of how much you crave change.

Major life changes are exciting.

The reason these transformations are so thrilling is neurological. Remember your brain’s amygdala? This tiny nut-sized structure is responsible for helping you process emotions. It sees change as a threat, triggering a fight-or-flight response. Whichever option you choose sets off an adrenaline rush. Who needs bungee jumping when you can dive into a life change? Jokes aside, change requires a different kind of risk-taking.

Life shifts take you somewhere.

The destination is secondary. What matters is that change means you’re going somewhere. You’re growing, learning, and challenging yourself. Your ability to endure, if not embrace, change proves that your current situation isn’t some predetermined plan. You know you can always be better.

You get a fresh start every time.

Everyone loves a new beginning – even if it’s self-perceived. The idea of a fresh start inspires self-acceptance and, consequently, self-improvement. Massive life changes allow you to step into new chapters, making you less fearful of making mistakes because you understand that your story isn’t over – and you can easily revise it.

How to Handle Change Better

Asian woman in bed taking down notes.
Assessing the factors and effects of any change will make it more manageable.

Yes, making a significant life change can be scary, but now you know you can soldier through with the proper mindset. Here are a few quick tips that can help you embrace change better.

Study the benefits.

Knowing what’s in it for you is a foolproof motivator. What are the pros of changing jobs? Transferring to a new neighborhood might be tiring initially, but the work commute may be more tolerable. Giving up fried food might be a chore, but think about the perks for your cardiovascular health.

Face it head-on.

"Change is the only constant in life” may be an overused maxim, but it’s nonetheless true. You can’t avoid change, so you might as well confront it with conviction. The adjustment might make you sweat, but it's nothing a good antiperspirant deodorant can't fix.

Never leave the house without a few swipes of Rexona Roll-On Deodorant Vit C + Anti-Stain. It smoothens and brightens your underarms with regular use, helping you tackle challenges without inhibitions.

Make sure you face these milestones with a healthy dose of optimism. Grin and bear them with closeup Gel Toothpaste with Antibacterial Zinc Red Hot. It has bacteria-blasting zinc and provides all-day freshness with daily use, even in the heat of turmoil.

Take it one step at a time.

Not everyone can jump into a major life change with both feet. Some people may require baby steps, which is okay, too. If you find the shift daunting, break it down into more accessible goals. Are you expecting a baby? Take it one month at a time. Prepare a checklist of what to do before the big day, lumping the tasks under time frames.

Truth be told, life changes may or may not suck. But be open to them. Either way, you learn something.

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