One certainty in business, as every small business owner knows, is that change is inevitable. Whether it’s responding to a new customer inquiry, moving to a larger office, hiring your first employee, or implementing a new system, each represents a shift in the status quo.
While some changes are within our control, such as adopting a new email system, others may be thrust upon us, like a valued team member deciding to leave. Each change, especially the unexpected ones, can feel daunting and uncomfortable. But learning how to manage the associated fear is not only possible but can also transform these experiences into opportunities for personal and business growth.
Understanding the Fear
The most common reason for fearing change is the uncertainty it brings. We’re creatures of habit, finding comfort in familiarity. Venturing into the unknown triggers anxiety, a natural protective response from our brain warning us to tread cautiously. However, fearing the unknown can limit us, as there are often several viable paths forward, not just one “right” choice. Letting go of perfectionism and embracing the possibilities can help mitigate this fear.
Another source of fear is self-doubt. You might worry that you're not equipped to handle new challenges, despite having successfully navigated similar situations in the past. Acknowledging your previous successes can bolster your confidence and diminish these doubts.
Benefits of Embracing Change
Change isn’t just a hurdle to overcome; it offers numerous benefits:
- Personal Growth: Transition periods can be powerful catalysts for personal development. You'll discover more about your capabilities, perhaps learning new skills that can propel both personal and professional growth.
- Business Evaluation: Change forces you to reevaluate your business goals and practices. This reflection can lead to significant insights and directions that might not have been considered otherwise, preventing stagnation and fostering progress.
- New Skills: As you adapt to change, you’ll develop valuable attributes such as resilience, flexibility, and strength, enhancing your leadership and personal skills.
Overcoming Anxiety
Here are some strategies to help you manage the anxiety that often accompanies change:
- Reframe Negative Thoughts: Focus on the potential positive outcomes instead of dwelling on what could go wrong. This shift in perspective can significantly alter your emotional response to change.
- Process Your Feelings: Take time to identify and understand your fears. Recognizing why you feel a certain way can demystify your emotions and make them easier to manage.
- Reflect on Past Successes: Remember previous occasions when you've successfully navigated changes. This can reassure you that you have the ability to handle current and future challenges.
- Seek Support: Conversations with mentors or fellow business owners who have faced similar situations can provide not only comfort but also practical advice. Knowing others have succeeded can be incredibly motivating.
Change is a natural part of life and business. By adopting these strategies, you can transform fear into a driving force for growth and innovation.
If you’re looking for further support, consider joining the Dojo Club, where business owners at all stages come together to tackle daily challenges and support each other through change.
See you there!
Kevin
By actively engaging with change, rather than fearing it, you'll open up a world of opportunities that could redefine both your personal life and business for the better.
Good post – thought-provoking. Another good technique I use is to reframe fear as excitement. They have the same biological sensations: nervous stomach, sweating, shallow breathing. My students and I feel better thinking we are excited rather than frightened. I learned this from my ballet teacher, Roni Mahler, many years ago and it has served me well!
You’re right, Kevin, about the fear of the unknown. Especially when unexpected actions muck up your well-oiled processes, causing you to find a solution or even start all over again.
However, viewing this as not a set-back, but a challenge, is a great way of overcoming anxiety about change. Yes, it is disconcerting, even downright inconvenient, but as long as you have your team around you to help, the result may be even better in the long run.