Published in Heart of a Woman in Business by Sheryl Roush

Are You Ready to Make a Change? 

What is the one thing that would make the most difference for you if it was handled?  Is it a problem that needs to be addressed?  An opportunity that would catapult your career, business or personal life to a new level?  Do you need to deal with a difficult client, employee or supervisor?  Would you benefit from starting a fitness program, paying off debt or scheduling regular time off?

To produce a different result, something will need to change. What you have done up until now has gotten you where you are. Doing the same thing going forward is going to keep you there.

Change can be frightening and uncomfortable. That’s why many people choose to continue repeating past behaviors rather than risking a change that will take them to their most cherished goal or dream.

The decision to leave the corporate world to start my own business a few years ago was a major change for me. I knew that in order to pursue my dream of helping people become more empowered, fulfilled and successful, I had to make a change. It required me stepping out of my comfort zone and taking risks with no guarantee of success. No doubt, it has been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, but making this change has also led to success and opportunities I would have never imagined.

Is there a change you’ve wanted to make, but just haven’t been able to get started?  Why not begin today?

Here are four tips to help you:

1.    Decide that you will make a change.
Hope is not a strategy. Rather than sitting around hoping things will change, decide that you will commit to doing something different in order to create different results in your life, your relationships or your career. 

2.    Get clear on your desired outcome.
It’s hard to hit a target you can’t see.  If you don’t know where you are going, how will you know when you get there? Where do you see yourself once the change has become a reality? What is important about the goal?

3.    Create a plan.
Develop a plan to use as your roadmap and guide. It is easier to make progress when you have outlined the steps to take. A clear plan will act as a compass to keep you on course amidst the hundreds of distractions you will face along the way.

4.    Get into action.
Once you decide to make a change, it’s time to take action. Many people get stuck at this crucial step, letting their fear of the unknown stop them from moving forward. By taking action, you create momentum and positive energy to propel you forward.

What will you do differently? 
Are you ready to make a change?

 

Pat Morgan, Life Coach
www.SmoothSailingSuccess.com