by Makeda Pennycooke | Featured Contributor
At some point, in either the near or distant future, you will have to make some changes to your business. You will experience growth you can no longer manage on your own as a solo-preneur. Your revenue will increase and your bookkeeping system has to change. Or maybe your small business will need more team members, shifting you into the mid-size range.
These are all good changes; signs that you are having the success you’ve been working for. But change, even good change, can be hard to navigate.
Even though you know it’s necessary, a sea of emotions can still potentially rise up inside you making it difficult for you to know exactly how to move forward.
I believe the simple act of giving yourself permission can bring the clarity you need in those moments.
Give yourself permission to:
Embrace it
If you are going to move through this change with ease then your first step is to embrace the necessity of the change. Resisting it will only serve to make you feel stressed out and overwhelmed. Embrace the change as an important next step in the evolution of your becoming and your business’ unfolding.
Find the good
Even when a change is a positive one, it can still be difficult to find the good. Particularly when it involves changing how you do what you do. We are programmed for what is familiar and anything unfamiliar instinctively feels bad. Intentionally looking for and naming the good will support you as you move through this season of change.
Notice the fear
Fear will inevitably show up. This change means a move outside your comfort zone and nothing triggers fear faster than you attempting to do something new. Notice the fear when it presents itself. Know that the self-doubt and negative self-talk may go into overdrive. These are all tactics of fear trying to stop you. Don’t let it. Keep moving forward despite the fear you are experiencing.
Feel the excitement
We sometimes hesitate to let ourselves feel joy and excitement, out of fear that either “it’s too good to be true” or “the other shoe is going to drop”. But it’s okay for you to be excited about the possibilities that are coming. It’s okay to let yourself feel joy about what this change means for your business. Go ahead and daydream about how much sweeter life is about to get for you J
Know it will feel messy for a while
Transitions always feel messy and chaotic. It might take some time to establish a new rhythm and while that’s happening, things will feel out of control. Anticipate this so when it happens you won’t be caught off guard. Accept that the messiness is part of the process. It won’t always be this way but for a while it will be your reality.
Accept a new normal
Growth brings with it a new normal. The way you once did things can’t be the way you keep doing them and if you try you will only stunt further growth. You have to accept this new normal and fully own it. This is how things will be going forward and this is not a bad thing. Remember, you’ve been working for this success. It’s time for you to allow your success to have its full expression in your life, whatever that looks like in this moment.
Making room for change whenever it becomes necessary is part of the success journey of an entrepreneur and business owner. Don’t run from it; instead embrace it!
Here’s to you rising into your greatness!
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Makeda Pennycooke, Women’s Leadership Mentor and Coach
Makeda Pennycooke is a mentor and coach specifically supporting women leaders. I have 15+ years experience leading and developing teams, including six years serving at the executive level. I believe women are being asked to play by rules that don’t work for them and many women feel stuck living a life that isn’t right for them. After spending too many years letting other people’s opinion decide how I should live and lead, I am now committed to empowering women leaders to redefine leadership on their own terms.
In my spare time, you might find me curled up with a book in my favorite recliner; wandering around in pursuit of beauty behind the lens of my camera; or attempting to further my budding relationship with yoga.
I believe chocolate makes everything better, and life should be filled with moments that make your heart sing. I love the ocean, sun-kissed days and a good cup of steaming hot tea (always tea, never coffee). I can be found sharing tips and inspiration for women leaders at www.makedapennycooke.com Let’s be friends Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook
