What is the one word guaranteed to increase your heart rate?

And is it what you think?

This word can often increase blood pressure and is almost guaranteed to speed up your resting heart rate from 60bpm to that of over 100 bpm.

The dictionary definition for this word may be a clue.

to exchange one thing for another thing, especially of a similar type

to make or become different

Nothing too scary about that right? So what is it that make us feel on edge when we hear the word 'change'? 

Blame the Brain

Our brains are programmed to seek comfort, familiarity and security. If we are starting to feel stressed and start to feel things are getting too uncomfortable or hard we naturally don't like it! So the word 'change' is a foot into the unknown, an uncertain future. Yet change is a positive thing and essential for growth. Without trying new things, how can we know there isn't a better and often easier way of doing things.

The answer's quite easy...

By planning and monitoring.

"No failure is just a failure. It's an invitation to try something new"

Ali Abdaal

Sounds like a Plan...

When applying this to your business if something is not working, a plan of action needs to be put in place to improve this. Write a simple list to start.

• What is it that's not working?

• Thoughts to why. Be as honest as possible.

• What needs to change?

• How are you going to do this?

• Set a time frame to assess.

If there isn't a plan and a good reason for making the changes, this is what sends the blood pressure through the roof. The increased heart rates. The sleepless nights (i won't list more). But by simply taking time to break down the actions in a plan, we can start to feel more reassured, confident and we can look forward to seeing the business progress and grow.

"Leaning in means taking a calculated risk, it means commiting to being excellent, and doing what it takes to solve whatever problems come along."

Daniel Priestley

Daniel Priestley explains in his book 'Entrepreneur Revolution' about leaning into problems and not leaning back. By leaning in, you are committing to pursuing your vision and caring about the details.

If something doesn't work, seek to understand the reason why and also assess the time scale. Have you given this new change enough time to gauge a balanced view as to why? Some results may take longer than others, some could be immediate. Either way you'll be able to see the results of the actions you've taken. How powerful is that!

Not so scary now!

So next time you hear the word 'change', instead of adding an extra spray of deodorant, think plan and monitor.

Stay ahead of the competition.

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