Five Ways to Make a Tough Change

So something’s been bugging you. You know that you need to make a change and you’re pretty sure there will be big consequences. So how do you go about it? Here are five things to consider that will make a tough change just a bit easier.

1. What's the cost of status quo? Not making a change that you know you need to make is costing you. Sit down and make a list of the payoffs you’re receiving physically, mentally, and emotionally for keeping things as they are. Then list the prices you’re paying for maintaining the status quo. If the price is greater than the payoff, you’ll have more conviction about taking the first step.

2. Don’t worry so much about how. We are so conditioned to figure things out before we leap, that sometimes we become paralyzed to make changes we just know are necessary. This is particularly true if you’re an engineer or a technical type, experiencing the world more through the head than the heart. If you continue to recycle the same thoughts, trying to figure out what will happen if, it’s time to quit thinking and take a bold leap. The same kind of leap it took to become an entrepreneur. Much of the information you're seeking will only show up while you're moving and not before. So if you feel a strong impulse to make a change, at least take the first step toward it and see what happens.

3. Imagine what's possible. Making a big change like terminating a longstanding relationship with a partner or supplier, or eliminating an under-performing product or service can be frightening. If we can only see what’s in front of us, then giving it up could mean we’ll have nothing. This is a terrible illusion. Life always rushes in to fill open space with new opportunities, relationships, resources, and ideas. But first you must make the space. Second, create a clear vision of what your business will look like after the change is in place. This will reduce fear of the unknown—which can keep you stuck for a long time! Your vision will form the matrix upon which you will create the next version of your business and give you the inspiration and courage you need to do so.

4. Create a reserve. You don’t have to make a difficult change from where you are now. If you have issues with money, time, skills, or emotional support, make a plan to get what you need in these areas. This creates a stronger foundation from which to launch in a new direction. Keep in mind that it's better to be over prepared and arrive at your destination than to fail because you were just a hair short of having what you needed to get there.

5. Ask for help. Contrary to popular belief, asking for help is actually a sign of maturity. It takes courage, humility, and acknowledgement to admit that you can't do it all by yourself. Besides, big changes in your business can be nearly impossible to accomplish on your own. However, the right kind of support can make a seemingly difficult change relatively easy. Many entrepreneurs are used to being lone-rangers. Asking for and accepting help from others can be tough at first. But now I wouldn't think of starting a major project or making a big change without relying on my support team of close friends, collaborators, and coaches. Do whatever is necessary to make changes easier.