Embracing Change Using a Tool From Improv
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Embracing Change Using a Tool From Improv
Change is inevitable and a constant in our lives. Whether it's big or small, expected or sudden, we all face it. Our relationship with change and how we handle it can significantly impact our experiences and well-being.
As you may or may not know, I have a background in improv. Improvisors are the ultimate in embracing and navigating change because they live in it. From second to second things are constantly changing in an improv scene. I’m going to share a perspective and some tools from improv that have made embracing change easier for me, and that I've found to be incredibly useful, that you can take and apply in your own life.
One of the key takeaways from improv is the importance of accepting your current reality. This doesn't mean passivity but rather a proactive acceptance that enables you to respond effectively. When change happens — whether it's a new job, a shift in a relationship, or a global pandemic — the ability to ask, "What is my reality right now?" and then act accordingly is crucial.
The improv concept of “Yes, And.”
Improv is built around the core concept of "yes, and." In a nutshell, everything that you or your partner do in an improv scene is considered an offer. And whatever your scene partner offers, you accept it (yes), and then add to it (and). This fundamental rule is what makes improv work and be successful to create cohesive and engaging scenes.
Because of this dynamic, improvisers are, in a sense, experts at handling and moving through change. We have to be agile and ready to pivot at any moment, as the nature of improv is unpredictable and ever-changing.
For example, if I'm on stage, envisioning myself as a space captain about to launch into space. I'm fully immersed in my role, turning imaginary dials and preparing for liftoff. But then, my improv partner enters the scene and says, "Hey, I didn't see any broccoli in the produce section. Do you guys carry broccoli?" Suddenly, my space mission is transformed into a grocery store scenario.
As an improviser, in order to make the scene make sense and move forward, I must immediately drop my original idea and embrace the new reality of being in a grocery store. If I hold onto my idea or don’t accept my partner’s offer, then everything will fall off the rails and the scene will quickly crash and burn.
You can't force the reality you wanted. Instead, you have to adapt instantly. This kind of agility is invaluable in real life.
The parallel to real life.
The ability to pivot quickly and accept new realities is paramount to improvisors, and also an incredibly valuable skill in everyday life. When faced with change, whether at work, in life, or in relationships, we often have two choices: resist the change and make the process difficult for ourselves, or accept the change and move with the current to navigate it as smoothly as possible.
In real life, resisting change — especially when we have no control over it— leads to frustration, stress, and the feeling of being stuck. For instance, if your company implements a new system or process that is happening no matter what, you can either begrudge the change and resist it, or embrace it and learn to adapt.
And while change can be difficult and annoying, the key is to take an honest inventory and ask yourself, "What is my reality right now, regardless of if I like it or not?" and "How do I want this to feel?"
Embracing the present.
By staying present and acknowledging the reality of the situation, you can choose how you respond to change. This doesn't mean you have to love every change that comes your way, but it does mean that you can control your reaction and find ways to make the best of the situation.
For me, this approach is grounded in taking an inventory of my feelings and also accepting reality. Sometimes I really hate what’s true in the moment, and still find it valuable to ask, "What do I want this experience to feel like for me?" This shift can help transform resistance and resentment into acceptance and proactive engagement. At the very least reduce how much struggle and exhaustion it takes to swim directly against the current.
A practical tip.
Whether it's in personal relationships, work, or any other area of life, change will never stop visiting your door. By taking a page from the improv playbook — accepting reality, embracing the “yes, and” mindset, and choosing a positive approach — you can navigate change more effectively. It's about making the best of what is and moving forward with a sense of acceptance and possibility.
The next time you're faced with change that you’re struggling with, take a beat and ask yourself: “What is true right now, and how do I want this to feel?” Embrace it, or at least accept it, adapt, and move forward accordingly. Hopefully this will help you thrive just a little bit more amidst the chaos.
Related Blogs:
5 Tools & Mindsets to Navigate Change Successfully
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This article was created by Galen Emanuele for the #culturedrop. Free leadership and team culture content in less than 5 minutes a week. Check out the rest of this month's content and subscribe to the Culture Drop at https://bit.ly/culturedrop