Show of hands, those in the room who find it difficult to change their life direction? I’m guessing at a roomful of raised hands. Some like imposed change but struggle with internal motivation; many procrastinate; others love routine and hate the chaos and stress that change requires. In efforts to avoid change, I can get so comfortable with where I exist that it becomes uncomfortable (weight gain, anyone?). Maybe you hear wounding words from your past that halt you – “You will never amount to anything.” Our experiences or failures suggest we can never be more than we are now. Are you tired of believing the lies? Take to heart the words of Michael Jordan: “If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you never will change the outcome.” Are you ready to change the outcome? I would like to offer the following step-by-step process to incite real change in your life direction:
1. Call it like it is.
a. My job hasn’t changed in twelve years and I doubt it ever will.
b. I detest the mind-numbing monotony and bureaucracy of my current job.
c. I don’t think I can do this physically-demanding job for another twenty years.
2. Call a friend.
a. Consult with several friends, mentors, and professionals asking what they might do in your situation.
b. Honestly evaluate their opinions.
3. Consider your options.
a. I could return to school, get a master’s, and teach others using my skill area, knowledge, and credentials.
b. I could proactively search for a company in my expertise that offers advancement potential.
c. I could request a managerial position in my current company.
d. I could start my own therapeutic massage business.
4. Pick one and plan it.
a. I will start my own therapeutic massage business.
b. I will sit down today and list the steps I need to take to make it happen.
5. Just do it – one step at a time.
a. I will sign up for a 3-month course in therapeutic massage.
b. I will create my business plan in the next 30 days, give my two week notice 30 days after that, purchase my own massage table and supplies, and be open for business in 90 days.
I have used the example of a career shift, but this process could be applied to switching from a sports car to a minivan, choosing a new school for your pre- teen, changing locale, picking a retirement center for an aging parent, or desiring a figure twenty pounds lighter. Beware the pitfalls of procrastination – make a deadline and keep it clearly in view. As Sadaharu Oh observed, “The efforts you make will surely be rewarded. If not, then you are simply not ready to call them efforts.”
