This week the overwhelming topic that has come up when talking to clients or at networking events is change. There are a lot of people out there that are looking for something different. Some are looking for a change in career. Others are ready for a change in their results. And even a few are looking for, just something different. This week I am going to talk about making changes and what can might get in your way when trying to change.

Ready for a Change?

When I first started out in this career, I as invited to speak to a group of people at one of their meetings. As I sat there listening to this group, they expressed frustration with changes in the work place. They were tired of the changes they were being asked to do their job. They were frustrated with changes in management and management structures. There were a handful of other changes that make this group upset. So, their solution? Make a change!

As I talked with them, I helped them realize that it wasn’t the change that upset them. Everyone in that room had been an agent of change at some point in their career. What they resisted was being changed. They were willing to change, as long as the change came from them, and was something THEY wanted. When you decide you need to make a change, here are some things to consider.

What Do You Want

One of the first things to consider when making a change is what do you want? I have had prospects and clients approach me on several occasions saying they wanted a change in career, but they don’t know what they want. The key to lasting change is it has to be something you want. If you want to change jobs, and don’t know what job you want, you’re not likely to make the change you want. You’ll find that the new job is a lot like the old job, and not bringing you the change you desire.

When you decide you want a change in your career or business it is important to know what you want. If you don’t know what you want, start from the end and work backwards. What outcome are you trying to achieve? More happiness? A better standard of living? We are conditioned to do everything starting at the beginning. We start here and go there. Working backwards will help you get where you are going and the steps you need to get there.

Fear

One big detractor from making changes is fear. Most of the time the fear isn’t even real and is just an emotional fear. We fear change because it takes us out of our comfort zone. We might be asked to take a chance and do something we haven’t done before. What if you fail? What will people think? Who cares!?!

Failing is a part of life, and part of the learning process. Those that try new things are going to fail. Think of all the times  you’ve failed in the past and came out stronger for it. How many skinned knees did you have when learning to ride a bike? Ever go on a date that didn’t work out? Or have a job that didn’t work? Most likely you learned from these mistakes and now can ride a bike, been on a successful date, and have a better job. Fear is the biggest obstacle to success, and don’t let it hold you back!

Overwhelmed

I have some clients that have decided to change, and know what they want. They are willing to overcome the fear and fail to succeed. Great, but the journey in front of them feels daunting. These clients come to me because they feel overwhelmed. There is just so much work to do, how will they ever complete it? They don’t know what to do first so they don’t do anything! I remind them that it is just like eating a big meal, you have to do it one bite at a time!

Look, not doing anything is not going to help you make the changes you desire. The group I talked about in the intro knew that. Even if you try to make a change, and take make the wrong change, that is still progress. At least you know what NOT to do! When you are feeling overwhelmed, sit back, create a plan, and take action. As you start to make progress you will begin to feel less and less overwhelmed.

This Week’s Challenge

Decide you are going to embrace change. Now is the perfect time to start thinking of the changes you’d like to see in your career and business. We are rapidly approaching the end of the year. New year is a good time to start a new change. I know most people don’t set resolutions anymore, but maybe it is time to CHANGE that!

If you would like to discuss more ways to help your business grow or if you feel you have a specific problem that needs to be addressed, please reach out to me.