We decided to throw a party…for change itself.
It started when my daughter didn’t make the school play. She was disappointed, and we went out for ice cream and celebrated her bravery for trying something new. She stepped outside her comfort zone, and that was worth recognizing. It got me thinking: Why don’t we celebrate more of the hard everyday things in life – milestones like speaking up even when it’s uncomfortable, asking someone for help, or failing and trying again?
That thought inspired a new family tradition: celebrating change. We decided to throw a party for the first day of every season. For the autumn equinox, we went all in. We did fall crafts, made leaf imprint art, and even played flashlight tag. We put together a fall bucket list and got excited for the change ahead. A typical day became something memorable.
And isn’t this what we often struggle with at work too? New goals, different processes, and changing priorities plus knowing when to speak up, ask for help, or deal with disappointment. So. many. changes. Our natural tendency is often to brace ourselves or resist the uncertainty or discomfort. But what if, instead, we trusted that we can handle what’s ahead and even celebrate it?
That’s where the “trust fall” comes in, literally and figuratively. Facing change or challenges isn’t about falling and hoping someone else will catch you. It’s about showing up, trusting yourself to respond, and leaning into what’s next with curiosity and courage. When that trust is there, both in yourself and your team, people become more open, collaborative, and willing to experiment.
So as fall settles in, here are a few ways to build trust and embrace change and challenge at work:
- Name the change. Take a moment to acknowledge when something shifts at work. Saying “this is different” creates space for everyone to process.
- Celebrate small wins. Trust builds when people see progress, even in uncertain times. Recognize and celebrate the little victories. It reminds everyone that you can succeed together, even in the middle of change.
- Keep it real. Share stories, laugh, admit when things feel weird. Change doesn’t have to be stiff and serious. It can be messy and still move you forward.
Here’s to welcoming change and those everyday milestones with a little fun, a lot of trust, and maybe even a party.