Normalizing Change
Overcoming fear, embracing vulnerability, and cultivating gratitude.
Few words in the English language can rocket-launch emotions quite like the word “change.” Most people are creatures of habit, and change, regardless of whether it's positive or negative, elicits emotions anywhere from excitement to terror (and often every emotion in between).
Can you relate? Has your fear of change kept you from living your best life? What would you do (or not do) if you weren’t afraid of change?
Well, we’re declaring this season the summer of “change.” And our jam-packed series will show you fresh ways to push past those comfort zones that keep you safe, but also small. And the first piece of the journey is normalizing change.
Look the fear monster in the eye.
The fear monster is that invisible bully that is encouraging your anxiety and constantly whispering “What if?”
It’s the one lurking behind most of your fears about the change you want to undertake. Let’s get hyper-specific with some tangible examples in a workbook-style exercise.
“What if I expand my nanny agency and no one buys my new products?”
“What if I invest in coaching and training and it’s a waste of money?”
“What if I go on that retreat and everything falls apart at home?”
“What if I make a career change and people think I’m too old?”
Overcome vulnerability with a dose of reality.
Let’s put our shoulders back as we stare into the face of that “worst-case scenario” enemy.
Now, objectively assess the maximum damage that this change can do. Is it failure? Disappointment? Overwhelm? Embarrassment?
This simple exercise prevents fear from roaming around rent-free in your head convincing you that the change you’re making is going to destroy everything.
“What if I expand my nanny agency and no one buys my new products?” You can always compress your services back. There’s no shame in trying something and not having it work out, and businesses—even the most successful ones—do it all the time.
“What if I invest in coaching and training and it’s a waste of money?” Education is never a total loss, and you’ll likely qualify for a tax deduction for it (which should minimize the sting at least a little bit). Plus, you’ve probably “wasted” money on much worse things.
“What if I go on that retreat and everything falls apart at home?” You’ll return refueled from your getaway, so you’ll have the energy to put things back together if necessary. Plus, who doesn’t get a little satisfaction from knowing things disintegrated in their absence?
“What if I make a career change and people think I’m too old?” They probably won’t. But if you do, so what? Those people don’t pay your bills. Plus, what matters is your own happiness and satisfaction, not what other people have to say about the decisions you’re making. You likely judge others about their decisions and your opinion doesn’t change their lives at all either.
Why not assume the best-case scenario?
You’ll notice some of the fear evaporating the moment you pinpoint and compartmentalize the potential damage.
Now that the fear monster is frail and wounded, take the upper hand by clearly defining the most favorable outcome. Focus on how much the rewards outweigh the risks.
“What if I expand my nanny agency and no one buys my new products?” Instead, this could be the springboard that propels you to unprecedented levels of professional fulfillment and financial success.
“What if I invest in coaching and training and it’s a waste of money?” Instead, maybe you’ll gain support, tools, and knowledge that will enable you to revamp your nanny agency so that your operations run efficiently and your profitability skyrockets.
“What if I go on that retreat and everything falls apart at home?” Instead, maybe you get to clear your head and recharge with your peers, subsequently having that breakthrough you so desperately needed while also meeting a new best friend.
“What if I make a career change and people think I’m too old?” Instead, maybe you’ll (finally) feel passionate about your work life and spend the next couple of years, possibly decades, earning an income while living your purpose.
Gratitude for setbacks, imperfections, and small wins.
Try the workbook exercise above and list whatever concerns you have about the changes you’re procrastinating.
Will you have stumbles, make mistakes, and have bad days? Of course, but you won’t find success if you never try!
We expect change to look like an inclining graph when instead, it looks more like a heartbeat monitor full of spikes and dips.
Make a motto that losses are forgettable, victories are stackable, and anything that moves you forward is a success worth celebrating!
So, that’s it! No more excuses! Online learning is officially normalized and viewed just as valuable as in-person learning but without having to disrupt your day-to-day nearly as much.
Our online courses are an amazing way to make professional improvements this summer at your convenience.
Easy + cost-effective + minimal effort + low commitment + high payoff + max comfort = BIG CHANGES? Let’s GO!
“I have benefited tremendously from her wealth of knowledge. Her guidance has been invaluable as I embarked on this new journey of small business ownership. I wholeheartedly recommend Megan!” – Kathy White, Kidmin Care
