Nobody Likes Change — by Dan Lynn
By Dan Lynn
When I was in high school I frequently visited the local gym to work out. The place was a mess. It had a very small work out room. The mirrors were cracked. The bars were bent after years of use. The padding on the equipment was either missing or worn away. It was a real disaster.
I attended college out of state but returned to the gym on my breaks. During one of my visits I was surprised to see a brand new work out room. The room was twice as big as before. It had all new equipment, new mirrors, and a whole new set of weights. It was now competitive with any other gym in the area. They did a really great job.
As I entered the room and greeted my longtime friends, "the regulars", I was surprised to hear all of the complaints. "I wish we still had that mirror that made us look huge." "I can't believe they got rid of that old bench we used for our nosebreakers." "I loved that worn-in curl bar we used to have."
Clearly, the place was better. However, most people were annoyed. It was different, out of the normal routine, out of their comfort zone. Things had changed.
When I returned several months later I found that people were once again back to their routines. They had made the necessary adjustments. Their initial anxiety resulting from the changes had passed. In fact, they were finally comfortable and happy with the new facility.
My conclusion from this simple example? It's true, in general people just don't like change. Even if it's for the better. They don't like to be out of their comfort zone.
So, what does that have to do with starting and growing a business? A lot. It is something you face virtually every day. Being an entrepreneur is all about change. It is a continuous adjustment to the marketplace. Change is a necessity. Without change you don't innovate. Without change you die. However, with change comes uncertainty. And with change comes resistance. As long as you anticipate the resistance and keep driving forward fast and hard, you will be fine. Remember, nobody likes change. But, like my local gym, the initial anxiety resulting from the changes will pass. Don't give in to the initial resistance. Don't blink. If you do you will be left with a mess rather than a "brand new facility". Onward and upward!
Questions this Key Learning answers
How do I handle resistance to changes that clearly improve things?
The author says to anticipate resistance and keep moving forward rather than giving in to the first complaints. As the gym regulars showed, people may reject an improvement simply because it disrupts familiar routines. Their anxiety eventually passed as they adjusted, became comfortable, and returned to their routines in the improved facility.
Does early resistance mean I made the wrong decision?
Not necessarily. Our analysis notes that early complaints are not reliable final judgments because resistance may reflect lost familiarity rather than a poor decision. The author’s experience showed people mourning worn equipment despite receiving a much better gym. The key is distinguishing genuine defects from discomfort caused by disrupted routines.
How can I help people adjust without reversing the change?
Our analysis recommends keeping the destination steady while explaining what is changing, preserving what still works, and supporting people as they form new routines. This complements the author’s lesson not to give in to initial resistance. Resolve and communication can work together while uncertainty gives way to adjustment and acceptance.