Nobody likes change. Would you agree? Please talk to me in the comments section below.
Happy Labor Day holiday to you! Doesn’t that cake look mouth watering?
Let’s get back to change. I’m all about getting people to focus where they want to go. It’s what I call their end game. While doing research, I came across this quote that jumped off the screen. Give it a quick read while I cut a slice for myself:
“When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” ~ Steve Jobs
What’s something you need to change?
Are you looking forward to going back to your professional career on Tuesday September 4th? Is it time to change jobs? If you’re dreading what you’re doing, you’ve got company. Over 70% of the workforce are not engaged or actively disengaged in their jobs.
As an entrepreneur, how’s your sales volume? Are you getting your market share or are competitors eating your lunch? Maybe your sales team needs a change. How about a unique goal crushing system.
Oh, you’re a leader! How’s the team performing? Frustrated with the results? I know, you’ve tried everything yet they’ve reached a plateau? Things could be a lot better? I hear that a lot. When’s the last time you achieved an extraordinary goal? Wouldn’t that be nice for a change.
Whatever your situation, it’s never too late to change.
Change happens differently for everyone. You might be the type that takes massive change. Perhaps incremental steps to achieve your goals is more your style. Others wait until they’re at the end of their rope before they decide to change. What will it take for you to begin?
Great stuff Steve. I’ve made many changes in my life and yet there are other things, habits if you will, that I haven’t changed. Strangely enough, all of that is about to change with something to focus on to help me affect it. You’re right in saying that if things aren’t the way you want them to be that you should do something different, something positive, and push forward.
As I said in the piece, change is subjective. We all approach it differently. Some like massive action, others incremental steps, and the rest wait until they have to change.
Your statement, “you should do something different” says a lot. I’m all about making a one degree difference. These small changes create huge shifts.
Thanks Mitch.
I think it is so important that we stop and really think about these questions. I keep running into folks that feel stuck, but feel they are too invested to too broadly about possibilities. I have watched my husband make a very significant career change (from teacher to firefighter) recently and he is so much happier. It’s really never too late to change course.
Yes, take a moment, hit the pause button, and think. Like it Karin.
Wow, your husband made a significant change. I wonder if these two professions are completely different for him or similar in some way?
One of the things I do is take time for reflection…it is in this space I identify what needs to change. Even if the change is good or best for me, most of the time the process of change is such a pain! I grew up being told and believed I wouldn’t amount to much and would not succeed in anything. Deciding to change what I believed in myself was a monstrous journey. Today I can say I am so grateful I took that step.
Thanks for this post!
Taking the first step is the key.
Thanks Ms. Rodeth!
Great article, Steve.
I agree that you should live everyday like it is your last. (Although, extreme amounts of skydiving might have a toll on my health.) But in todays society, change is extremely hard to incorporate in everyday lifestyles. To be quite honest, if we were to live everyday as our last wouldn’t we all be on the beach, or at our favorite relaxing destination? Todays world limits the amount of change we can make. Sure, we can make little chages here and there, but ultimetly- are the changes for us or society?
Kimberly, thanks for stopping by.
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Steve, one of the best books I ever read about change is “Switch: How To Change Things When Change Is Hard” by Chip and Dan Heath. Not only does it give a keen insight into the psychology of change for most people, but it’s filled with great stories about humanity. My fave is about a successful endeavor by one man to combat malnutrition in Vietnam. I wish I could loan you my copy, but it’s currently out on loan and I don’t think I’ll ever see it again. I think you’d enjoy it and I’d love to discuss it with someone.
I’ve heard so many good things about “Switch” so I’ll put it in the books to read pile.
Thanks for the thought of loaning me your copy.
What’s one or two things you took away from the read Lin?
Thanks for stopping by!
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