They say that time changes things, but you actually have to
change them yourself.
--Andy Warhol
I would like to say that I am flexible, that I embrace
change, but I do not. When I was thinking about writing this post, I asked my
husband if I was good with change. Now, that is a loaded question to ask a man
you have known for 25 years.
"You are good with change when it is your idea, but it
takes a lot of convincing when it is not." That's an understatement. He
smiles, kisses me on the cheek and walks out of the room.
I am learning that there is a fine line to be in control of
your business and to be flexible at the same time. I'm not sure that my first
instinct will ever be to embrace change, even when it is inevitable, but I'm
working on it.
It's a good exercise to give up a little control even when
it's your name on the box. I'll let you know how it's going as the year
progresses. I hope you'll let me know how it's going for you.
So, until next time, kiss the ones you love,
xoSherry
9 comments:
I can't remember the show but it was about people who had small businesses that became huge and this one woman in particular made me think of me (and now you!). She used to do everything herself but the business expanded quickly and she had to hire people. She showed them how she wanted everything done and each night, when they had gone home, she would spend hours ripping the labels off the jars and put new ones on so that they were perfectly straight.
She was finding it impossible to transition from being a solo act to working in a team, all producing her dream. And in her mind, her dream included perfection at any cost.
The business mentor put it straight and told her that she would have to learn to grow with her business, accept change and stop working against it. Until he said that, the woman didn't realise she was actually sabotaging her dream.
It was a good wake up call for me.
And for me too. I AM that woman and I do not know how to let any part of my business go...yet.
Thanks for the food for thought.
xo
Oh my goodness. I have not seen Jodie's face and curlers for such a loooooong time and it makes me smile to find her/you here!
Loved the story about sabotaging the dream and it's relatable for all of us, I'll bet. One the other end, try working with a micro-manager such as this and it starts destroying the dreams of the others. Insidious.
All of this change and letting go talk is really giving me pause but I'm happy to see that it's an ongoing process for most of us.
xo :: lynn
Great post Sherry.
I love how your husband put it delicately and gave you a kiss to ease what he just said.
I think what he said about you is true with me. I just can't think of when someone else wanted me to change (besides of course for a job). Maybe they knew better?
I love the story Jodie offered. It's so hard to let go of some of the tasks because people might not do it exactly how you want them to and that's stressful if you've been doing it a certian way. BUT you could also see it as you are hiring someone who is knowledgeable in their field and maybe they will come up with a better way of doing it.
when I was a kid we moved every year or so - I hated it but grew to be very good at it - later life had to yank me up like a tornado to get me moving, I was planted - this year I'm chasing the tornado .... xo
Haha I love how eloquently your husband said it. I have to admit I'm just like you. I'm used to things my way, and have to learn to be more open to other peoples ideas. Good luck with the changes your thinking of making, hope it works out good!
I've known for a few years now that change was needed, but only very recently found myself ready to be open to it... hard not to fight off change when you don't know what the outcome might be, but then sometimes, you find yourself ready for change... that day will come. :)
Love that quote... it's so true. Things can become very stagnant if you don't push yourself! This is especially hard if you're not comfortable with change or initiating it yourself. It is often for the best, though!
Angela
http://gardenandsea.blogspot.com
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