Embracing Change: Find Joy in Life’s Beautiful Messiness

There was a time when I avoided change like the plague. Growing up, I loved consistency, and when I moved to Germany, I found a rhythm that resonated deeply with me. Germany is a place where consistency is built into the very fabric of society. Vacation plans are made six months in advance, jobs are often held for a lifetime, social security is robust, and holidays follow age-old rituals. Every year, the same Christmas markets pop up and shut down with predictable precision. Even the seasons, with their long stretches of cold, are reliable—except for two months of warmth in summer.

For nearly eight years, I lived in that space. I worked for the same company most of that time, I had two daughters during that time, and I enjoyed the familiarity of it all. Life was steady, and I reveled in that sense of control. But then, as we all know, the world turned upside down. First came COVID. Then, the war in Ukraine unleashed a global economic crisis. Inflation spiked, businesses scrambled to prioritize profitability, and organizations were forced to adapt or risk obsolescence.

Amidst this chaos, my personal life was no exception. I had three small daughters by then, and we decided to relocate to Spain to build a more family-oriented life. Gone were the days of planning vacations months in advance. My family and I started making spontaneous car trips instead of long, predictable flights. The social security I had relied on in Germany was no longer at my disposal, and even at work, it felt like organizational transformation had become a constant.

At first, it was unsettling. But over time, I realized something: embracing change was no longer an option—it was a necessity.

The Upsides of Change: A New Perspective

The shift was uncomfortable, yes, but it was also deeply empowering. When you're forced to let go of control, you begin to see the possibilities. Here’s what I've learned about the unexpected benefits of change:

1. Focus on Value Creation In a world of constant upheaval, the value you create remains your true north. The way you approach work, family, or life may change, but the core of what you bring to the table is your consistent strength. In product management, for example, no matter how processes evolve, the customer’s problem and your solution’s value are the bedrock. The tools, teams, or workflows may shift, but your impact? That’s yours to craft and deliver.

2. Living in the Moment When life becomes unpredictable, you start cherishing the present. There’s less time to cling to the past or worry about the future. I’ve learned to appreciate the small, unplanned moments, whether it’s a family road trip or an unexpected win at work. Change has a way of making the here and now more vivid.

3. Building Inner Resilience Change forces you to stretch beyond your comfort zone, and in doing so, you build resilience. You learn to take risks and move forward even when the path isn’t clear. It’s no longer about waiting for someone else to create opportunities; it’s about putting yourself out there, creating your own opportunities, and trusting your ability to adapt.

4. Learning to Self-Create The more changes I navigated, the more I realized how capable I was of creating things on my own. Whether it’s crafting a new process at work or making a personal investment in something you believe in, you start to see that you don’t need to rely on the systems or security you once thought were essential. You can build new ones.

5. Always Having a Plan B In a volatile world, you stop expecting things to go perfectly. Instead, you learn to prepare for alternatives. You start considering plan B—and sometimes plan C—as part of the journey, not as a fallback. Flexibility becomes your most valuable asset.

6. Work Hard, Play Hard Finally, one of the greatest lessons change teaches is the balance between pushing forward and pulling back. I’ve learned to immerse myself fully in work, giving it my all, while also taking time to disconnect and enjoy life’s surprises. The balance isn’t perfect, but the unpredictability of life has made me appreciate both the hustle and the moments of rest more than ever.

How to Adapt Faster and Build Resilience

So, how can you adapt to change more quickly and ensure resilience in your career or life? Here are some steps I’ve found helpful:

• Develop a Growth Mindset: See change not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity for growth. Embrace the learning that comes from new experiences, even if they’re uncomfortable.

• Build resilience through patience: Allow things the time they need to develop. When change is happening, it takes time for everything to settle. What seems chaotic or uncertain in the moment may not be the final state of things, and patience helps you navigate that transition.

• Strengthen Your Core Values: When everything is shifting, it’s essential to know what your core values are. These will guide you through uncertainty and help you make decisions aligned with your true priorities.

• Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s learning new skills or investing in your mental and physical well-being, prioritizing personal development will make you more adaptable to external changes.

• Stay Curious: The more you understand the world around you, the easier it will be to adapt. Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to challenge old assumptions.

A New Way Forward

Embracing change isn’t about surrendering to chaos—it’s about learning to thrive within it. It’s a shift in mindset, from seeing change as disruptive to recognizing it as a natural, even beneficial, part of life and work. Whether it's personal growth, career development, or product management, change presents opportunities we may not have seen when things were more predictable.

I may not plan vacations six months in advance anymore, but I’d still prefer to. Adapting to change isn’t a one-time skill to master—it’s an ongoing challenge, like a muscle you have to continually work with. However, if you’re able to cope with it, there’s something deeply rewarding in the process: the ability to adapt, create, and find joy in life’s beautiful messiness.