Cenophobia
Cenophobia = fear of new things
I was struck with a cenophobic panic attack when my Palm flashed once and then completely died last month, and I had to adjust overnight to keeping all my appointments, contacts, and tasks in my Blackberry. I'm not sure why I really needed both devices, but breaking habits is often really hard to do...even for a "bring on the new" type like me. I was very cranky for a couple of days. I stared at the dark Palm screen longingly, but then I learned new habits...and moved on. Hey, I got over my Filofax years ago...I could tackle this new challenge.
We all love our rituals and familiar things in our lives. (I confess...I still own tee shirts from high school), but learning to adjust to change is essential. Some of my best decisions in life and business have been a result of selective risk taking and stepping into that "discomfort zone."
Here are some ways to reduce cenophobic episodes and embrace change:
- Hire a 20-something into your company. You'll learn all kinds of new things.
- Do one "new thing" a week -- whether it's taking a new route to work, sampling a new food, or waking up at a different time. Keep your "change muscles" in shape!
- Express your anxiety about change -- especially to someone who's been through the same change you have.
- Make sure your schedule allows for "free time" -- so you can easily accomodate changes in plans or try new stuff.
- Think of all the things in your life that HAVE changed over the years -- and how many of these changes have ultimately been positive.
Whether you're struggling with a new technology, contemplating a marketing risk, thinking of joining a new business group (see my blog, Talk to Strangers), learning to recycle your empty bottles and newspapers, or simply considering a new brand of deodorant, I say "go for it."
Competence is the enemy of change. This article appeared in 1999, but it's message still rings true.
Fear of new things can kill. (I really didn't make this up!)
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