Welcoming Change:

As I sit down to pen this article, we’re standing on the edge of 2024, bidding farewell to another year and are waiting to welcome 2025. There’s something magical about the turn of the calendar—a collective energy, an air of celebration. Yet, I’ve noticed how quickly that excitement wanes as the first day of the new year begins. It often makes me wonder: What’s truly “new” about the new year? What shifts in our mindset when we face the dawn of something unfamiliar—a new year, a new space, or even a new phase of life?
Through my years of observation, I’ve realized one thing: welcoming the new isn’t easy for most of us. A new beginning often demands change, and change often brings a sense of discomfort to people around. So the question is, are we ready to welcome change and access the new perspective joyfully?
 

Leading Through Change

Let me share an insight I’ve gathered over the years about facing the “new.” It’s a lesson in leadership—not just the leadership of others, but of ourselves as we navigate unfamiliar terrain.
A new thing or new people will always showcase something that will lead us to a new frontier of life. You will be presented with an opportunity to explore the newer perspective. Now if you choose to step ahead on the new path, your sense of leadership gets activated within and you put forth your actions to embrace the new things that you would like to do. While doing so you will always be surrounded with people. You will always have people around that will contribute to you in their own way on your journey of new change.
 

The Three Mindsets

So let’s understand this, there are always three kinds of mentalities or people in any given situation or especially while they are about to face a new change.
The first ones are ‘enthusiasts’. These kind of people are always excited about change and are eager to be a part of it.
The second group of people fears change. They feel hesitant to welcome the new stuff in their life. They worry about their roles or what will happen to them or their future.
And the third group is covet and cynical. They say that they have seen it all before and believe that, the new change or the new stuff will not make any sense. They’re often dismissive, waiting for the moment to pass, rather than engaging with it.
 

Harnessing Mindsets for Growth

In my experience, whether it’s in life, work, or creative pursuits, these mindsets are universal. You’ll find them everywhere. The real challenge—and opportunity—lies in how we, as individuals or leaders, respond to these differing attitudes.
Now take this. If you are the one who wants to remain excited or lead in the new year and is fond up the take a new idea ahead, the mindset of leadership will come into play. So, take the people who are psyched to change and make the enthusiasm infections. They will put their best to make the idea lead in its own creative way and see the light of the day.
Now take the worriers, and make them feel that they have nothing to fear or lose. And make them feel that the new idea will not only benefit the community but also uplift them personally. Build trust and a sense of security. And then take the third group and make them advocates. Cynics can be turned and make them evangelists. But if you can’t convert them, let them go because cynicism is like a chronic ailment which progresses with time all over the body.
 

Embracing Awareness

So ultimately, my idea was to point out that all these 3 kinds of mindsets don’t just exist in others; they reside within each of us. They show up at different times, depending on the situation.. The key is to recognize which mindset we’re operating from and consciously shift to one that serves us better. This awareness is what keeps us grounded and joyful. It enables us to approach change with excitement rather than fear, with curiosity instead of resistance. And when we embrace change with an open heart and a clear mind, we not only welcome the new but also give ourselves the chance to grow.
As we step into 2025, let’s remember: our goal is not to be perfect, but to get better and better each year. At, Golden mean, we believe that a leadership mindset is the key to joyfully bring in change that impacts community positively
 

About the Author

Deepak Nanekar is the Strategy Director of an Award Winning, Mumbai Based Advertising Agency, Golden Mean. He has more than two decades of experience in building brands and nurturing them to grow. He is known for the deep understanding of Brand advertising and its communication flow through various channels.