Here is a simple rule about change.

If you want something different than you have, you have to be willing to do something different than you have done.

I think most of us, upon reading this, would nod and say “sure.”  Of course, that is true.  It’s why I said it was simple.  It’s simple, but not easy.  The fact of the matter is, when we are chasing something new, our brain will often try and talk us out of it.  It sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s true.

Our brain wants to keep us comfortable and safe.  So when we start to chase something new, it’s uncomfortable.  It’s hard.  Mel Robbins talks about this in the book “The 5 Second Rule.”  She says that when we get an “urge” to chase one of our goals, we have only 5 seconds to take action.  If we don’t do it quickly, our brain will talk us out of it.  Think about it.  How many times have you had an urge to go to the gym, or make that sales call, or write that blog, only to talk yourself out of it?  It was not the right time, or you were too tired, or whatever.  Your brain took over, and threw reasons at you to delay…and then you didn’t do it at all.

Robbins suggests the 5 Second Rule as a solution.  When you get that urge to chase a goal, count backward.  5, 4, 3, 2, 1…then take action.  Blast off into the action that will move you toward your goal.  It’s a simple, but effective way to overcome that voice in your head that tries to talk you out of uncomfortable actions.

It’s a simple rule…but not easy.

This brings us back to the simple truth.   If you want something different than you have, you have to be willing to do something different than you have done.

Now that we understand that you need to do something different, you need to embrace something else.  At times, it will be hard.  I don’t say this to discourage you.  Just the opposite.  When you know, going in, that it will tough it can be freeing.  You are not doing it wrong.  You are on the right track.

• You can’t do a new workout routine and not be sore.  The “sore” means it’s working.
• Starting a YOGA practice means you will be off-balance.
• Creating more sales means you will have to put yourself out there.

You get the idea.  If you want to expand your skills, it will require you to be bad at it before you are good.  Embrace that.

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Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing, a full-service marketing agency located in Ohio.  Learn more about Hasseman Marketing here.  And if you are interested in having him speak at your next event, you can learn more here.