Is It Time to Make a Change or Stay the Course?

Ever find yourself stuck in a loop of "Do I make a change or hold off?"

This is a common tension for Creative Business Owners- especially when you're juggling a full client load, a mile-long-to-do list and a million shiny new ideas flying your way.
(i.e. you've got lots of options to consider and lots of decisions to make- every single day)

It's tough to know when change is the next best step and when it's distraction in disguise.

Let's start by breaking down a few reasons why you might be temped to make a change.

Sometimes, you make a change just to make a change. 

• No big reason. No deeper meaning. You just want to try something different and shake things up.
• ...like driving a different route to work, just because.

Sometimes, you make a change as a test.

• You're experimenting. Trying a new approach to see if it's more effective than the old one.
• ...like testing a new weekly meeting agenda, to see what version works more effectively. 

Sometimes, you make a change based on an impulse. 

• You follow a shiny object moment, a distraction. Or a flash of inspiration from someone else's excitement. You take the leap and later realize- you're not sure you made the best decision. 
• ...like signing up for another online course, when you haven't fully engaged in the one you already paid for.

Sometimes, you make a change because it's necessary. 

• You're drained from putting out fires all day long. Business and life feel chaotic. Your energy is drained, and hit a wall. You know something's gotta give.
• ...like hiring a Business Coach, because you're out of options and tired of going at it alone.

With all these reasons why you might be tempted to make a change, how do you know when it's time to change and when it's time to stay the course?

First, get clear on the WHY behind your urge to shift. 

Think of an area where you're feeling the itch to make a change and ask yourself:

• What do I really want to be different in this area?
• WHY do I really want to make this change? 
• Is this change aligned with what matters most to me?
• Am I'm reacting to pressure, a moment of doubt or outside opinion?

It’s also important to check whether you’re making a change from a place of emotion or strategy.

Burnout, boredom, or a impatience can trick you into thinking everything needs to change.

But those may simply be emotional cues, not necessarily strategic red flags.

When you’re grounded in a strong WHY, you’re in a better position to know whether the change you're contemplating requires refining… or replacing.

Once you get clear on your WHY, you can assess the WHAT.

• Maybe the change is needed- like a new staffing structure, new bookkeeper, upgraded onboarding process.
• Maybe it's a different kind of change than you originally thought- like a mindset shift or upgraded policy or shift in an employee's role.
• Maybe it's no change at all- it's a reminder to recommit to the systems and processes and policies you've already got in place.

If your business has expanded, your Vision has shifted or you've hired several new employees, you've got good reasons to upgrade and change your systems.

But if you’re tempted to change course just because you’re impatient, uninspired or reacting to what you see others doing online- take a breath. You may not need a reinvention.

Sometimes, the best move is to stick with what’s working and what you've already implemented. Re-commit and give it time to compound.

And sometimes, with careful reflection you may realize the most powerful shift isn't in your business- it's in how you're seeing and feeling and thinking about your business.

With a clear WHAT and WHY, you can start working on HOW.

From a place, grounded in clarity:

• Brainstorm ways to close the gap between your current reality and your ideal future.
• Choose one small step you can take today to move forward, towards something better.
• Take that step within the next 24 hours to shift your momentum and your boost mindset.
• Celebrate the action and your commitment to create change.
• Wake up tomorrow, choose 1 more action step and take that step within 24 hours. 
• Reflect, recommit and repeat. 

That's how you make change and move forward with confidence and purpose.

One decision, one action and a daily commitment to moving forward, towards your ideal reality.

Once you create change, how can you make it last?

Long-term, sustainable change can take time.

• Accept that you're not going to be able to change everything all at once.
• And keep taking action. Rome wasn't built in day, but it did get built, and isn't it magnificent?

And it takes a commitment that extends beyond the spark of a single decision.

• Fortify that first action by pairing it with a relentless commitment to creating change. 
• And keep taking action. Those small steps really do add-up to much bigger big change.

I'll leave you with a change formula to keep yourself focused and motivated:
WHY + WHAT = HOW

• Take a pause to get clarity on WHY you have the urge to make a change.
• Then, get more clarity on WHAT you want, alternatively and ideally.
• Then, you'll know exactly HOW to move forward.

Yes, it can be that simple.

This is how you create change that lasts.

And ultimately- this is how you build a business and a life you love!