The Change Curve In Reality

The Kübler-Ross Change Curve (adapted from the grief model) describes the emotional journey people typically experience during significant change:

Shock/Denial – initial reaction of surprise, relief, disbelief, or avoidance

Anger/Fear/Threat/Denial – resistance, blame, and frustration as reality sets in

Depression/Disillusionment – low morale, guilt, disillusionment, or withdrawal

Experiment/Exploration – gradual acceptance, testing new ways forward

Decision/Acceptance – engagement with change, building confidence

Integration/Commitment/Moving Forward – full acceptance, new behaviours embedded

We can move backwards and forward between these stages; we are all unique in the emotions we experience through change and the time it takes each of us to move through the stages. 

I wanted to share the 'Arch inspire change curve in reality' visual as it’s helped many of my clients including myself navigate change both professionally and personally.  I’ve spent time with individuals and groups this week who are all experiencing change (both sudden and imposed change as well as proactive change). 

• An individual who is 6 months into starting a new business

• Individuals who are navigating grief and loss

• A team who are starting to embed and adopt AI into their business

My twin boys who are navigating the huge change in starting secondary school as well as me personally navigating this change as a parent. I've experienced anxiety, happiness, guilt, threat and gradual acceptance all in the space of 3 weeks and it’s fair to say I’m going backwards and forwards at the moment! 

This visual has reminded me that these emotions are normal and also healthy - it’s also nudged me to share these emotions and to ensure my children feel comfortable to do the same. 

Here are 4 simple reminders that I hope help:

1. Accept your emotions and feelings (don’t fight them)

2. Find someone you trust to share your thoughts and feelings with – it’s so

important to talk

3. We can all achieve acceptance - be patient and kind to yourself and give

yourself time

4. Consider your 'reservoir of resilience' and the experiences in your life that have

helped you deal with/overcome and learn from change/loss/life events

Have a great weekend ahead!