3 ways to overcome the challenge of change

This week, we have a special guest blog by Sue Styles. Sue is a powerhouse business coach with deep expertise in the real estate sector. Connect with Sue on LinkedIn here.

If there’s one thing that’s truly a constant in life, it’s change.

Careers change, the market goes up and down, government starts out great then crumbles, business opportunities wax and wane… and when things change, we are challenged.

What worked before stops working. Then we have a choice: keep beating a dead horse, or adapt.

This spring, we noticed a tree in our front yard that had no buds. All the other trees in the neighborhood were blooming, but ours was dead. We had a choice. Leave it there, standing as if it was fine, or cut it down and plant a new tree.

When you look around at others in your industry, are there things that they are doing to bring forth fruit, that maybe you neglected?

It is an honest question, just between me and you – no one else will know.

When you take the time to get real about what’s working and what isn’t, you can begin to access the secret ingredient: the accountability to rise up to the challenge of change.

When you need to see better results, you need to take better actions! You need to change, and with that, you need a strategy to overcome your challenges.

Here are three simple steps that will have you overcoming your challenges today and seeing better results tomorrow:

1. Isolate the obstacle.

Single out exactly what is in your way. Is it time management? Lack of a network? Inability to close deals? Being too reactive? Are you resisting getting on and using social media? If you had to isolate one challenge that is holding you back, what would it be?

2. Clarify the needed action(s).

Take your obstacle and brainstorm what a possible solution would be. 

I would highly suggest getting in a great frame of mind before you do this. Think about how much love you have for your family or go on a brisk walk somewhere beautiful. Visit a bird sanctuary or zoo. If you are spiritual, go somewhere you find peaceful.

Then, when your mind is in a positive state, ask it “What action do I need to take to overcome this challenge?” 

When we are in a positive state of mind, we have an amazing ability to access the ‘executive centre’ of our brain (rather than being stuck in a reactive state), and in that place there are many answers waiting to come to light!

What is an action you can take? Get super clear.

Perhaps you will realize that you need to pick up your phone and call through your entire database and let your network know that you are thinking about them and are here to help. 

Maybe you need to stop procrastinating and start doing a certain thing. 

Another action you could take is to read a great book on getting more organized like Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Successful People.”

You may be surprised that your brain already knows what you can do to solve your challenge.

3. Reach out for accountability.

As I often say, “Leaders are not afraid of immediate discomfort, they are motivated by future triumphs!”

It might hurt your wallet or your schedule in the short term, but reach out to others for accountability. Start a business mastermind group, join a support group online, hire a coach, or join a career network.

Once you know your course of action, you must find the motivation to take action. If you’re finding your motivation lacking, then include someone in that process with you.

The only thing that really separates us from success is the capacity for transformation, and the ability to pick ourselves up off the ground and try again. Yes, things are always changing, but you can overcome your challenges using these three simple steps.