We all know there are habits we have, things we do, and processes we live with that require change. We all know that everything about us and our business is not exactly how we want them to be. We resist. Why? What is it about change that stops us from changing?

Albert Einstein said, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

We all know this as a fact. We still resist change. Why? Here are three areas we might examine within ourselves. Each of us might take a few moments in our busy schedules to review and reflect if we see ourselves in one or more of these categories. Ever hear the statement, “They couldn’t fight their way out of a paper bag!” Can you? Will you?

• Analysis Paralysis
• SBO – Shiny Bright Objects
• Fear of Failure

Analysis Paralysis

One of the classic fall back patterns regardless of you being a creative or analytical thinker is to invent your need to review and over analyze your options and choices. It is not to say one should not review and conduct some due diligence. It is quite another to have the need and to actually know something must be done and to then hold up a solution for three years while you review the options available in the universe. It is potentially more damaging to not try out some of the available solutions and find out through trial and error that they are not suitable, then to continuously review options and do nothing. The review of the problem and the potential solutions should be conducted with input from others. If you are a solopreneur, seek guidance or assistance from a trusted business associate or hire a consultant to offer advice and bounce ideas off of. The action of continual analysis paralysis is due to our avoidance of change.

SBO – Shiny Bright Objects

The businesses we run and the relationships we have are the highway of our lives. When we permit distractions to enter into our business or our relationships we are going off of the highway. This type of exit ramp distraction is done by large corporations, small companies, entrepreneurs and in fact may take place in all of our lives as well. We see something that either appears to provide some magical solution, solve some need or just looks really cool. We spend our time, effort, and money on this SBO. All during this period we are not paying attention to the things that really should matter most to us. What is happening is the business or our relationship is taking a nose dive while we are intoxicated with our new toy. Sometimes we do not even see the crash until it happens. Other times we recognize something is not right, yet we cannot pull ourselves back on track. When we are distracted often and find ourselves not facing the reality, it is due to our avoidance of change. The change we know we need.

Fear of Failure

The documentation exists, it does not need to be repeated here. Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs and even Derek Jeter all have one thing in common. They all failed more than they succeeded. We all have this fear. It is the fear of failing. What will our families and friends think of us? How will we respond to those who will say, “See, I told you so!” This fear of failure pervades our subconscious and unless it is overcome, we will not embrace change or take any risks. We must have the ability to be aware of our fear and then overcome it as we move forward with our ideas and our changes.

In summary, if you find yourself in one of these areas or another area and are stuck, try to replace the word change with ‘evolve’. See if as you ‘evolve’ it becomes easier for you to move forward.

Mitch Tublin is a certified personal and executive coach who lives in Stamford,CT.