In today’s fast-paced world, change is not just inevitable, it’s always there.

From the nightly news flooding our living rooms with global events to the sweeping changes in our own backyards, we're constantly confronted with a world in flux. As an Australian, I’ve recently witnessed our government grapple with acknowledging Indigenous First Nations people in our constitution. Elsewhere, old feuds ignite new conflicts in the Middle East, while the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia remind us of the fragility of international relations. Domestically, from AI transforming our workplaces to the ethical dilemmas facing banks and insurance companies, these shifts touch every aspect of our lives.

As an individual who has navigated substantial change over the years, I’ve come to realise that adapting isn’t just about reacting to external forces. It's about understanding what holds us back and what propels us forward. I’ve identified five anchors that can inhibit our progress and their counterpart, sails, that can help us catch the wind of change.

1. Attachments vs. Connections: Often, we are held back by our attachments – to ideas, people, or material things that we can’t let go of. However, when we shift our focus to connections – to people who can offer support, strength, and encouragement – we find ourselves buoyed by a community that enables progress.

2. Aversions vs. Courage: Change can be daunting, leading to aversions due to fear of the unknown or discomfort. Courage, however, give us the power us to confront these challenges head-on. It's about embracing the unknown and finding strength in vulnerability.

3. Compulsions vs. Choices: We sometimes feel compelled to follow certain paths, influenced by narratives in our heads or societal expectations. Recognising that we have choices, that we are the authors of our stories, can be liberating and allows us to steer our lives in directions that align with our values.

4. Inhibitions vs. Freedom: Inhibitions often keep us confined within self-imposed boundaries. Breaking free from these limitations and embracing our true potential can lead to a sense of freedom and the realisation that we have more control over our destinies than we might think.

5. Wrong Identifications vs. Authenticity: One of the biggest hurdles can be the identity we adopt based on others’ perceptions. Shedding these misperceptions and tapping into our authenticity not only aligns us more closely with our true selves but also enhances our interactions with the world.

In facing change, it's crucial to recognise these anchors: attachments, aversions, compulsions, inhibitions, and wrong identifications. But more importantly, we must be willing to flip them, to see the other side – connections, courage, choices, freedom, and authenticity. This perspective shift can transform how we navigate the inevitable changes in our lives.