I’m not sure how long you’ve been sitting at your desk, wondering; “Is now the time for a dramatic change?” Everyone’s mind
wanders when it comes to making startling changes and reinventing oneself. I’ve always been a fan of change, and a fan of a quote from the late professor Bruce Barton who once said, “When you are through changing, you are through.” Well, I am far from through, and last week, I decided to do a little reinventing of my own. While on vacation with my family, I performed my own personal reinvention, and shaved my head. It’s amazing how symbolic this rather radical reinvention has been. I say this because, in a sense, these personal emotions mirror the lessons that that can be found when reinventing your business. Here are just three of those lessons:
You Must Commit To It. When we use words like “reinventing,” we are not talking about small changes. We’re talking about dramatic changes. A partial commitment won’t do. These types of changes require a real commitment. Much like shaving your head, there is no interim position. Once you get started, you have to commit to it.
Don’t Be Afraid Of It. Reinventing your business requires a true commitment to change. If you have ever read any of my books, you’ll know I’m well aware of the power that “fear of change” has over all of us. When we consider reinventing our businesses, or ourselves, we don’t do it because everything is working perfectly. We do it because we have fallen into a rut, or we are consumed with the thought of change. There’s a little voice in all of us whispering; “You think that change might make things better… but what if it makes things worse? Don’t do it.” You have to shut that voice down, and find the courage to make these kinds of changes. Much like shaving your head, it’s easy to mask your fear with various stall tactics. Avoid the negative thinking, and go for it.
Don’t Judge It Too Quickly. Reinvention doesn’t mean instant gratification. I don’t think I have ever met a person who was instantly satisfied with a dramatic change. It takes willpower to leave that reinvention alone for while, and give it a chance. Much like shaving your head, it’s almost impossible to instantly stop judging the changes you’ve made. See if you can avoid harping on all of the imperfections your reinvention has created, and give it some time.
Reinventing one’s business, or for me, one’s head, can be a daunting experience. A difficult comment from a friend or peer can shake you up a bit. However, if you commit to it, get past the fear of it, and avoid judging the success of it too quickly, things should work out fine. At least my bald head and I sure hope so.
“Zed’s dead, baby… Zed’s dead.”
I really like this blarticle, Rob; I completely agree! Nothing like a good reinvention to jump start a new excitement for life. Sometimes, it’s just what the doctor ordered.
You had it easy Jolles. The job was almost done before you started! LOL. Enjoyed the piece this week. I immediately sent it to a friend that is changing his practice model.
In the voice of the great Jack Welch “Change before you have to.”
Great article Rob, I think the commitment to this article in the new viral world of Social Media is a testament to your ability and willingness to change.
The shiny dome however, I will refrain from comment.
Rob – it’s not what’s on top of the head……
It’s what’s inside….!!!!
John M.
C.T.
Your BLArticle reminded me of a favorite quote of mine by Edward Rolf Tufte:
“If you’re not doing something different, you’re not doing anything at all.”
So right you are Rob! A few years ago I talked with all of our employees. As you know, we specialize in health insurance and employee benefits. I told them that we are going to reinvent our practice so that we are well positioned to help those approaching or just beginning retirement. I told them most financial advisors are trained to help individuals build wealth so they can retire someday. However, when they start approaching someday, the questions and concerns that these same individuals are asking are different. They need an advisor that understands healthcare, long term care, social security planning, longevity planning and asset protection. So today I read of a recent survey that asked financial advisors what they thought their clients number one retirement planning concern was—their answer-“running out of money”. However, when the 2,100 individuals pre and post retirees, between the ages of 50 and 75, responded, they gave another answer—“Healthcare”. We are confident that our agency has an edge on health insurance and long term care planning. We use our independent agency advantage to build longevity planning into our client’s portfolios. I am quickly becoming a “consciously competent” expert on social security planning. In the next few months, I will finish the final course toward my Chartered Financial Consultant designation (ChFC). We will be well ahead of the pack when we introduce our clients to our new practice, “Health & Wealth Advisors”. 27 years into my career, I am still learning and loving what I do! It’s all about reinventing yourself.
Love the new do…or lack thereof. Can’t wait to see it for my self. Thanks for your time and wisdom on the phone. Great and loyal friends are hard to come by! Take care.
Ron