Everywhere around me, I’m watching friends and colleagues take dramatic leaps out of their comfort zones and go… well, exactly where they’re going is yet to be revealed.
And I have to say, it’s very inspiring because as I step towards changes in my business and life, I have plenty of role models to emulate.
It requires faith to answer a call and to step out of one’s comfort zone. It also requires guts and the ability to keep moving towards the calling.
Now imagine you’re just getting your business to the place you want it to be when you suddenly discover something’s incongruent. You realize you need to tweak or change something about your brand, your message, who you work with, what you really do, or how much you charge because now you’re aware that you’re out of alignment.
It’s nerve-wracking because you a) don’t want people to think you’re fickle by changing, b) don’t want to make the “wrong” choice, c) don’t want to make an ass of yourself publicly.
Those are pretty good reasons to stay put… but you’ll be miserable if you do and you know it.
Here are some tips if you too are feeling the urge to transform and you’re afraid it might harm your business or reputation.
1. Stay Grounded, Stay Connected to Source/God/Creator/Whatever You Call That Power Greater Than Yourself
Start with yourself and stay grounded. For me, that means having quiet time each day for reflection and staying connected to my higher power. I’m not going to sidestep the issue of spirituality here. If you’re going to make a major shift, find a power greater than yourself to hang onto. Hug a tree, go to church, light a candle… it’s none of my business how you do it. But you need stability from a powerful place and your ego isn’t a reliable anchor. Get out of yourself and look beyond for strength.
2. Keep The Right Advisors Close By
If you’re feeling called to make changes, surround yourself with the right advisors. I keep people in my life who can advise me on spiritual matters, but I don’t go to them about business. I keep people around who help me with business but I don’t want marriage counseling from them. See the importance of variety? You need balanced advice from different sources so you can keep things in check. And an important distinction: don’t just surround yourself with “yes” people. Make sure you’re seeking counsel from people who can be honest with you and give you wise feedback.
3. It’s OK to Talk About It
Self help gurus say “You’re only as sick as your secrets”. It’s OK to talk about this stuff! If you write a blog or use social media, let people know that change is in the air. You don’t have to divulge every detail, but I always find it exciting when someone starts dropping hints that a big change is coming. When I rebranded and created Viva Visibility in 2007, I dropped hints until the big reveal.
4. Ignore the Naysayers
Let’s say you’re in a big change mode and somebody sends you an email criticizing you for it. You notice large numbers of unsubscribes. Somebody dumps you as a friend on Facebook. That’s not a good enough reason to go back to the comfort zone. Not everyone will love the direction you’re going and you need to let that slide. They’re not your peeps anymore and that’s OK! When you release what no longer serves you, you open yourself up to more of what DOES serve you!
By stepping out of your comfort zone, you’re moving towards what’s more authentic for you. I’m confident these tips will help you in that journey.
Your turn:
What are you being called to?
Are you willing to stick a toe out of your comfort zone or are you ready to leap out?
I’d love your comments… and if you want to drop hints at change that’s coming up for you, do share!!
About Nancy Marmolejo
