There’s a quote often attributed to Albert Einstein: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. It’s become a bit of a cliche, but like so many old phrases it sticks around because it’s true.
In business, in leadership, and in life we all reach moments where we know something needs to change. A process that no longer works. A role that no longer fits. A behavior that no longer serves us. And yet we stay put. We delay. We distract ourselves. We rationalize.
Why?
Because change, even the smallest kind, is uncomfortable. It threatens our sense of stability, our ego, and sometimes even our personal identity. Even when we know the change would lead to something better, we often choose the comfort of the familiar over the discomfort of growth.
Ask yourself: Has anything great ever happened for me inside my comfort zone?
But here’s the hard truth. If we don’t change, then we choose.
We choose to keep the same outcomes.
We choose the status quo.
We choose the friction, the frustration, the missed opportunities.
Not consciously of course, but in our words, actions and behaviors, we choose passively & absolutely.
Inaction is still a decision. You have just lost any and all control over the outcomes.
And that’s the irony of indecision many of us miss. By avoiding change, we’re not standing still we’re making a choice. And often, it’s a choice to stay stuck.
So how do we move forward?
Not by waiting until we’re ready, because we may never feel fully ready. Think about the last promotion you received, or the last time you were asked to do something you’d never done before? Did you feel 100% ready for it? Or did you jump in the deep end with both feet and figure out how to tread water?
Greatness doesn’t come by waiting for perfect conditions because they rarely come.
We move forward by deciding to take one small, brave step.
One conversation.
One decision.
One shift in mindset or behavior.
One Quarter Turn.
Change doesn’t have to be seismic to be significant.
But it does have to start.
Because when we resist change, we’re not just avoiding discomfort we’re standing up boldly and choosing the outcomes we no longer want both in our business and in our lives.
If we don’t change, then we choose. The question is- What are you choosing today?
Here Are Three Action Steps to Break the Cycle and Choose Change
- Name the Pattern
Identify one area in your business or life where you feel stuck or frustrated. Ask yourself: What have I been doing the same way over and over, hoping for a different result? Bringing awareness to the pattern is the first step to shifting it.
- Make One Quarter Turn
Choose one small, doable action that represents a shift. It could be initiating a difficult conversation, using a new approach to a common problem, or simply saying no where you usually say yes. Don’t underestimate the momentum created by small steps.
- Set a Consequence or Reward
Hold yourself accountable. Tie your action to a simple consequence. Like telling a colleague what you plan to do and asking them to check in. Or a reward- treating yourself when you follow through. Behavior sticks when there’s emotional weight behind it.
Change is in our businesses and in our lives in inevitable, growth my friends is optional.
So the next time you face a choice to change, choose growth and see where it leads.
As always
Cheers to you and your continued success
And choosing change
One Quarter Turn at a Time
Thoughts for the week:
When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. -Joseph Ranseth
If nothing ever changed there’d be no butterflies. -Unknown
Let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile. -Unknown
Change is inevitable, growth is optional, -Unknown
Looking forward to our next connection.
Coach Tim
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