The challenges and rewards of doing new things...

Originally published Nov. 11, 2020.

Welcome! Excited to share my initial blog with you. As I venture out in a new direction (writing blogs) a natural topic quickly emerged—taking on new challenges (of course, after the thought provoking and sometimes painstaking reflection, questioning, and prep). So, here we go... Along the way, I hope you are encouraged to take on new challenges and pave your path forward.

Doing new things can be challenging and awkward. (Feeling it!) We intuitively know this to be true. Fear can jump out of quiet moments and startle us back into worn in comfortable spaces. There is risk to change, and it can be scary. (There can even be a little grief too.) Some may fear failing or rocking the boat of family or societal expectations.

So, why invite change? (Did you catch that wording? "Invite change." A much more open alternative to... "so, why bother to change?") Taking action and doing new things stretches identity and moves us beyond defined comfort zones into spaces of growth and fulfillment. To ease the process of change cultivate hope, gather information, shore up your internal resources, know your reasons for change, and step forward.

So, what helps people to take the first steps toward change that matters?

To get to where you want to go—act with intention. It is possible to move beyond indecision, contemplation, and ambivalence with these evidence based steps...

Consider the advantages of change.

• Be curious about the possibilities. Think about change from an open position.

• Acknowledge the reasons to not change; however, if you really want to change don’t talk yourself out of it too fast. It is normal to be ambivalent (to ride the fence). Change is a process to be worked through.

• Ask yourself questions: What do you have to gain? How might things be better?

• Do your research and clearly state your reasons for change.

Lean into what you want.

• Build confidence.

• Recall a time when you faced a change and reflect on how you managed it. You can draw on these same strengths and tools to step forward with courage.

• Connect with others who have gone before you. Ask them how they got to where they are today.

Prepare for action and boost your optimism.

• Take small steps forward.

• Ask yourself: What am I willing to do today to move things forward?

• Know that a life change, a new job, or using new skills will be awkward at first. It’s okay. It’s part of the process.

• Celebrate milestones.

• Recruit colleagues, friends, and mentors that can support your change goals.

To circle back to the beginning and wrap up...the aspiration of this blog is to…

1. Connect with you.

2. Support you in your intentions and goals.

3. Encourage you.

4. Provide information and resources.

5. Be useful.

My hope is this blog will bring value to you as you step into the future. To this aim…please feel free to email me with any questions, comments, or suggested topics. I invite interaction, and guest blogging (if you feel moved and inspired to share). I look forward to hearing from you!

My final words on taking steps toward what matters to you...

Over the years, I have learned to move toward what I want with courage (sometimes with dogged persistence—one foot in front of the other) following the steps above. Don’t fold up the tent on what you want too soon! You might miss the victory sunrise from the adventure taken.

Reference:

Prochaska, J. O., DiClemente, C. C., & Norcross, J. C. (2006). Changing for good: A revolutionary six-stage program for overcoming bad habits and moving your life positively forward. New York, NY: First Collins.