As we start a new year, we generally like to tackle it with new year goals and aspirations. I generally write an article about the new year, making new goals, and thinking about what you want to accomplish this year. I love making goals and motivating others to find their goals and go for them. I’m still encouraging that this year, don’t get me wrong! But this year we are going to focus a little bit more on change, and how change can be challenging, whether in business or in your personal life. Here are three secrets to crushing change in 2019.
Why is crushing change so hard?
I’m no expert on this subject, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that we are all creatures of routine. When we find something we like and that works for us we may not want to budge. Some of us like change more than others, but those that do like change probably prefer to be in control of the change, not a victim of it. How can we embrace change so that when we see a need to change we do it? And how can we adjust when change is thrust upon us?
How to embrace change when it’s your idea
Clearly, change is easier when it’s our own idea. But sometimes it’s hard to know when something sounds like it might be a good idea and when something really is a good idea to implement. Many of you may be business owners and perhaps you struggle with making big decisions for the business. Do you have someone that understands you and your business that you can talk to? One thing I suggest is having a community and leaning on it. Is it your business partner? Is it someone across the globe that you have met that has a similar business pattern? Whoever it is, find your community and lean upon them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or run ideas by them. By doing this, you can feel more confident as you decide what changes to make. Of course, it is still your decision in the end, but the power of collaborating and bouncing ideas off trusted friends and colleagues is priceless.
Have a yearly plan/forecast meeting. Look at what you did last year and determine what you want to change. Plan with those involved to come up with a plan on how the change will happen. Do you work with a team in your business? If so, help your team to have goals to work towards too. That will make your team feel like they are working towards the business goals with you and will help to keep them motivated.
How to embrace change when it is not your idea
This area is a bit harder. Sometimes life happens and changes just happen. There’s no deliberating about the change because the change has already taken place. How can you adjust to the change and make the best of it? How can you survive the changes your business throws at you? A secret is to accept the change and just keep going! Try to find a positive side of the change. Is your business shrinking rather than growing? You can turn things around if you accept the changed circumstances and make a plan on how to turn things around. As soon as you accept that the change has happened, you can be more in control of how to work with the change.
Use change as motivation
There’s nothing quite exciting as when things are new. Think about it, a brand new business, a brand new relationship, a brand new phone… when you started with each of these you were probably very excited. But sometimes with time, they lose a little bit of excitement. Use change to help you feel motivated and excited again. Think of change as your fresh start and your time to shine. One of the hardest things about being a business owner is keeping yourself motivated all the time. Oftentimes you spend a lot of energy keep others motivated but who or what encourages you? If you are able to use change as motivation and to keep excited about your business (and life!) then you are doing it right.
There’s a good chance that 2019 will bring some changes your way. We know you got this! Let us know your plans for crushing change that you are looking forward to implementing this year.