Riding the Waves of Enthusiasm and Doubt: How to Find Emotional Balance During Change

Change is both an inner and outer adventure. You might have felt that initial surge of energy, the powerful motivation to transform everything, only to be caught later by a wave of doubt, fear, or fatigue. These fluctuations are normal and part of the personal transformation process. But how can you navigate them with calmness and continue moving forward without losing yourself in the process?

In this article, I’ll help you understand why these emotional cycles occur, how to embrace them with kindness, and which simple practices can help you regain balance and clarity.

Understanding the Emotional Rollercoaster of Change

Change, even when you desire it, triggers natural resistance mechanisms in your brain. This is due to a part of your limbic system called the amygdala, which perceives any novelty as a potential threat[^1]. When you embark on a transformation, this internal alarm system can spark intense emotions like enthusiasm (the excitement of something new) or doubt (the fear of the unknown).

Your Emotions and Body: A Constant Dialogue

Your emotions don’t stay confined to your mind; they also manifest in your body. For example, enthusiasm might create feelings of lightness and vitality, while doubt can bring muscle tension or a sense of heaviness[^2]. Understanding this mind-body connection is essential to navigating these cycles.

Embracing Your Emotions Without Judgment

Listen Rather Than Fight

One common mistake is trying to “push away” emotions like doubt or fear. But these emotions are actually messengers: they signal needs or limits that deserve your attention[^3]. For example, doubt might be telling you to slow down and reassess your priorities.

A Simple Somatic Practice to Ground Yourself

Here’s an exercise to calm intense emotions:

1. Find a quiet place and sit comfortably.

2. Close your eyes and focus on your breath.

3. Take a deep breath in while counting to 4, hold it for 2 seconds, then exhale slowly while counting to 6. Repeat this 5 times.

4. Notice how your body gradually relaxes.

This practice helps reduce the activity of your sympathetic nervous system (responsible for stress) and activates your parasympathetic system, which promotes calm[^4].

Building Bridges Between Enthusiasm and Doubt

Create Inner Stability With Your “Why”

Reconnecting with your core motivations can help you get through the low points. Ask yourself:

• Why is this change important to me?

• What positive impacts will it have on my life?

Revisiting your “why” activates neural circuits associated with reward and strengthens your resilience in the face of challenges[^5].

Ritualize Small Actions

Instead of aiming for one giant leap, focus on small daily actions. These micro-steps allow you to maintain momentum without feeling overwhelmed. For example, if you want to start a new physical activity, begin with just 5 minutes of movement each day.

Techniques to Navigate the Lows

Practice: The Somatic Journal

Take a few minutes to write about your bodily sensations and emotions. For instance:

• Where do you feel tension or energy in your body?

• What thoughts or images are associated with these sensations?

This practice helps you externalize your emotions and understand them better, turning them from obstacles into tools for self-knowledge[^6].

Tips to Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed

1. Celebrate Small Wins: Even modest progress deserves recognition. This releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter of motivation[^7].

2. Take Conscious Breaks: Step away temporarily to regain focus. A 10-minute mindful walk can do wonders.

Conclusion

The cycles of enthusiasm and doubt are a natural part of any transformation process. By learning to understand, embrace, and transform these emotions, you can move forward with greater calmness and consistency.

Take a moment today to try one of the practices shared in this article and notice its impact on your emotional balance.

What about you? What are your strategies for managing emotional fluctuations during change? Share them in the comments or during a coaching session.

References

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[^1]: LeDoux, Joseph. The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life.

[^2]: Damasio, Antonio. The Feeling of What Happens: Body and Emotion in the Making of Consciousness.

[^3]: Siegel, Daniel J. Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation.

[^4]: McEwen, Bruce. “Stress, Adaptation, and Disease: Allostasis and Allostatic Load.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.

[^5]: Deci, Edward L., Ryan, Richard M. Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness.

[^6]: Levine, Peter A. In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness.

[^7]: Wise, Roy A. “Dopamine, Learning and Motivation.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience.

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