Fear of Change: 9 ways for NRIs to overcome the fear of a big change

Big life changes like leaving a job, or a country, can be scary. This is at a different level especially for NRIs. Imagine them hanging on the edge of a visa ledge, to topple anytime into deportation. That is not fun. Whether it’s moving across the country or starting your own business, these are huge decisions that can leave you feeling anxious and unsure of yourself. In this post, I’m going to share 9 ways you can overcome the fear of making big changes in your life:

I would be worried if you’re not worried

Worrying is normal. Actually eat this — if you’re not worrying, I am wondering what you’re made up of! Also you won’t be googling around for this blog post, so not sure how you landed here Mr. Coolhead.

Back to us Worriers. Don’t worry about feeling worried. If you’re a natural worrier, you anyway know you worry about things, big or small, so might as well hug this big worry. It’s one worry that deserves to exist.

Find the root cause of the feelings

Don’t act on feelings or make decisions in haste, because the emotions that are causing you to feel anxious or nervous might pass, especially if the root cause is something non-obvious. For example, When I was in Atlanta, I was feeling sad for random things like traffic, or no dinner place to go to, or irritated at my friend not picking up the phone. I realised it was not the traffic or friends I was upset with, but I wanted to change my city — these irritations went away when I moved towns.

If you’re still feeling uncomfortable at this point, consider another option: perhaps there are other jobs or places that can fulfill your needs just as well? Maybe you’re not dating enough. Maybe you’ll be happier after you enroll in that MBA. Look into more options. Eliminate them to get to the root of it.

Chew the decision thoroughly and a little more

Take a deep breath. Go slow. Give it time. Think of the positives and negatives of your options. Spreadsheet out something. Anything.

Consider how you will feel after making the decision, as well as how you’ll feel if you don’t decide.

Spend time thinking about it in mediation. Sit quietly. Shantapane basa! to consider your options one at a time without judging them at all.

Is it a location change? Go to the new place and see the energy. Does the new office/city have an energy match with you? Don’t feel anything? Then you know your answer isn’t immediately yes. Wait more time.

Pray and ask for guidance

Praying to God or the Universe will really help you with this change. Try saying a prayer that says something like: “Dear Universe, please help me make the right decision. Please guide me. Show me what I need to see.” Atheists try your version.

Remember you have control over your thoughts

You have control over your thoughts, and therefore you have the power to change them. Feeling yuck? Go repeat positive sentences in the mirror. Google “positive affirmations” and just repeat whatever you find. The more you think about a situation in a certain way, the more real it becomes. So don’t just accept negative thoughts as facts; try to pull yourself back from that mindset.

You have the ability to overcome whatever life throws at you — even if it seems impossible at first. In fact, many things we consider daily annoyances are actually blessings in disguise: they teach us patience and resilience so we can handle other challenges when they come along later in life — and trust me, there will always be something new around the corner.

You are not alone

The first thing that you should know is that there are other NRIs who have gone through this before you. Moving cities, leaving jobs, getting fired and finding a new job in a 60 days hurry, starting a business with no income! It’s happened. You are not the only one who has had to move on due to a big change in their life. Many people have made this decision, and they have all managed to get through it just fine. And so will you.

Reach out to a friend and say “I need help”

Feeling stuck? Reach out to a friend with “I need help.”

It is ok to ask for help, and it is especially important when you are going through a big change or transition. Many men feel they will be too vulnerable if they do that. Yes, it is a good point you have there. So reach out to someone close and who you trust, or just pay a consultant for it. Even if you feel like you don’t want to talk about what’s bothering you, or that you shouldn’t be feeling the way that you do, I promise that the act of saying it out loud will make things feel better — even if only temporarily. Sharing is less worrying.

Change is goooood

Change means stronger, better, and wiser. It’s the path to be more successful in the future than you were before. Change is good for you!

We’re so used to things being a certain way, change is scary — you are used to your morning schedule, the starbucks near your home, the job convenience, the perks in office, driving fast — we don’t know what the future is. That is scary. But change can also be exciting because there are so many possibilities in front of us! You just have to get through this fear first so that change can happen and help improve your life in many different ways.

Age ki aisi ki taisi

You’re never too old for anything. You can start over at any age, at any time, and in any place. In fact, you can start over anytime and anyway that you want. Don’t allow age get in the way in your decision. Age doesn’t matter!

— —

I’m Nupur and I help NRIs make decisions. Book a session with me https://nupurdave.in/work-with-me