Change is Good.

Sometimes you’ve got to shake things up!

Charles Duhigg, author of the best-selling book The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business, says that “40-45% of our daily activities are habits”. We do what we do without thinking. And in many ways, that’s good. Habits create routines in our life and work, some of which are extraordinarily helpful. They make daily living easier, more efficient. But some habits are hindering. When we do the same old things in the same old way, it’s easy to become complacent about important areas of life, work, health, relationships.

If you’re a long-time reader of Great Days e-Tips, one look at this edition will tell you that this month is different, and it’s because, over the last 90-days, my business has changed – new name (Great Teams-Great Results), new look, new website (www.GreatTeams-GreatResults.com) , new offerings, and some new ways of doing business. I’m still all about helping people have great days on and off the job, but experience has taught me that the way to do that is through positive interactions with others – through the people on your “team” – colleagues, employees, supervisors, family, friends, customers, coaches, suppliers. It’s about the choices you make and the actions you take as they relate to other people.

This change has not been easy for me. Before the process began, I debated back and forth about what to do. I often thought, “Why should I change? Things are OK the way they are. In fact, they’re better than OK. We’ve enjoyed success, so why rock the boat? Why shake it up? If it ain’t broke….” Well, you know the rest.

But the truth is it was time to shake it up. And I’m glad I did. This process of change has caused me to stretch. It’s made me sweat, and sweat is good.

What about you? Are you in a rut? Is there an element in your life or work where you need to shake it up? Do you need to do things differently, replace a negative habit with a positive one, make a change that will make a difference in you personally or professionally?

If your answer is “yes”, beware! Whenever you change, there’s a price. The change will cost you – in time, money, energy, effort. You’ll experience periods of doubt, fear, frustration. You may have a hard time letting go. You’ll be out of your comfort zone, at least for awhile. But if the change is for the better, it’s worth your effort and investment.

And here’s the key – Don’t try it alone. Figure out who you need on your team to provide not only expertise but also the support you’ll need.

As we launch this change, I want to thank my team – my business coach Mark LeBlanc, web designer Susan Reid, photographer Anne Silverman, graphic artist Joni McPherson, printer Bill Lynch, my Mastermind group (you know who you are), e-tips assistant Shannon Fears, my husband Ken, and you – our clients and readers who are advocates, supporters, and friends. You understand that great teams do indeed yield great results. You’re the best!

So, come on! Make a change. Do something that makes you sweat. Shake it up, baby, and make it a great day!