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!