Wouldn't it be nice if every time an organisation introduced change, everyone participated and did what was required enthusiastically. However, implementing change is not simple and neuroscientific research reveals that change is painful for the brain.
Change amplifies discomfort and stress because it requires an individual to let go of an internal state of equilibrium -a state called homeostasis. This is the property of a living organism that regulates its internal environment to maintain a stable, constant condition. When external forces affect this state, the organism resists them to avoid losing its state of equilibrium.
Change takes time. It does not happen automatically just because someone sends an email around announcing a new change. For change to occur and become established, the development of a new habit is required.
Habits are deeply entrenched neural connections in an area called basal ganglia in the limbic part of the brain.
To read more about dealing with change refer to Silvia’s article in BRW magazine.
