Why it’s ok to change your mind
At the start of the year, I set out to grow my business. I enrolled on an innovation course with the intention of developing a new training service. My aim was based on conversations I’d had with communications teams in different sizes of organisation.
The early stages of the course were exciting. I came home from those first few workshops bouncing! I was enthused and motivated to put in the work and create my new service. This was my opportunity to do something new and innovative.
First signs of difficulty
The first problem I encountered was finding people willing to talk to me. Despite their early positive responses, people stopped responding to my calls and emails. Was it because they didn’t think it had legs? When and why did they suddenly change their minds? The lack of response was super disheartening. Some might accuse me of not trying hard enough. Those people clearly don't know I'm a very determined woman! I persevered for three months but nothing changed.
The second difficulty was around developing an online platform. Something inside told me this isn’t where my strengths lie. I couldn’t summon any enthusiasm for it. I began to lose belief in what I was doing.
As the course drew to a close, after a lot of soul-searching and feeling the fear of letting people down, I decided to call a halt to my innovation. It didn’t feel right to keep chipping away at something that was making me miserable. Admitting it was time to let go was hard, but once I’d made my decision I felt a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. I felt free. Like a roadblock had been moved and I could move forward again.
The key lesson I took from all this? Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. I heaped pressure on myself by putting all my hopes on this one innovation. There are other avenues to pursue – and I will do exactly that. I already have some new projects on the horizon.
Business Blogging Masterclass
I don’t regret taking the course. If I hadn’t done it, I wouldn’t have had conversations that have led me to explore new paths. One of the decisions I’ve made is to do more face-to-face training. So I’ve bitten the bullet and I’m holding a Business Blogging Masterclass on Thursday 27th June. If you enjoy reading my blogs and would like to learn how to do the same for your business, all the booking details are on Eventbrite.
Situations when it’s ok to change your mind
Based on my personal experience, I’ve listed three situations when I believe it’s ok to change your mind. If you’re struggling to make a business or personal decision, maybe it’s time to hold your hands up and consider your options.
1. You feel it in your gut
A nutritionist once explained the truth behind this phrase. When we say we can feel it in our gut, it’s usually because the health of your gut is a really good indicator of stress. If you feel uneasy deep down or are uncomfortable with the way things are going, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns.
2. Circumstances change
Life is good at throwing us curve balls. Changing personal or professional circumstances are a trigger to make us reconsider what’s important in life. Changing your mind isn’t admitting failure. It’s simply reassessing circumstances and making the right choice to match them.
3. Your heart isn’t in it
If your heart doesn’t support your choice, you will never give 100%. You have to identify whether you’re feeling fear of the unknown – in which case, feel it and do it anyway – or a lack of desire and motivation. In my case it was the latter. Working on my innovation project became a chore I no longer enjoyed.
Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? Was there a trigger that made you change your mind? What happened afterwards? I’d love to have the foresight to know what’s going to happen next with my new projects. You’ll have to wait and see!