By Steff WillisFriday 23 Aug 202452Q with Steff & MicahLifeReading Time: 3 minutes
Change is one of life’s few constants.
From evolving music styles and advancements in technology to shifting worldviews and workplace dynamics, adapting to change can be daunting.
So how do we cope with change?
This is the very question that change strategist Michael McQueen dedicates his life to answering.
Michael McQueen is a multi-award-winning speaker, change strategist and bestselling author of 10 books. Michael has guided corporations worldwide to navigate uncertainty and stay ahead of the curve. He’s appeared in major publications like The Guardian and Forbes and has presented to more than half a million people across five continents including sharing the stage with luminaries such as Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
Michael McQueen joined Micah on the latest episode of 96five’s podcast 52Q to explore how we can not only cope with change but learn to embrace it.
“Change is the reality of life around us and our response to it,” Michael said.
“Whether you’re a CEO of a large multinational or someone watching the world change from the sidelines, the challenge remains the same—being willing to update our thinking and adopt a posture of curiosity rather than certainty.”
Fear of Loss, Not Change
Many believe that fear of change itself is what holds us back, but Michael challenges this notion.
“Humans aren’t inherently afraid of change; it’s the fear of loss that we resist,” Michael said.
“Whether it’s a loss of certainty, power, or dignity, these are the elements that trigger our resistance to change.”
“Whether it’s taking a different route to work, trying a new food, or watching something outside your usual genre on Netflix, these small acts of change help us develop a tolerance for the unfamiliar” Michael McQueen
Michael emphasizes the importance of recognizing this fear and addressing it head-on.
“By naming problematic emotions, we take some of the power out of them. Acknowledging the potential loss helps us see the situation more clearly and reduces the anxiety associated with it.”
Building Your ‘Change Muscle’
Change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Michael suggests that embracing small changes daily can build our resilience and make us more adaptable.
“Whether it’s taking a different route to work, trying a new food, or watching something outside your usual genre on Netflix, these small acts of change help us develop a tolerance for the unfamiliar,” Michael said.
One of Michael’s favorite examples comes from a colleague who practices “Indy Dates” with her husband—doing activities they’d never normally do.
“It could be going to a monster truck derby or a wrestling match—something totally out of their comfort zone. It’s about embracing the unknown with curiosity and openness.”
“Force your brain to do new things because that’s how you stay sharp.”
Embrace and Reframe Change
Change is an unavoidable part of life, but how we respond to it can make all the difference.
Michael encourages us to approach the unknown not with fear, but with curiosity.
“Learning and surprise go hand in hand,” Michael said. “If you’re not encountering things that are unfamiliar, you’re also not learning.”
Michael recommends viewing change as something we get to do, not something that happens to us. “Reframing change as something you get to do rather than something you have to do,” can transform our relationship with change.
Whether it’s trying something new or engaging with different perspectives, embracing the unknown is crucial for staying young at heart and continuing to grow.
Listen to the full episode with Michael McQueen in the player below or search for 52Q wherever you get your podcasts.
Feature Image: Suzanne D. Williams on Unsplash