Fast Easy Tip

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life

Featured Tip by Cynthia McKay

I can’t begin to explain the fear that embodies the pursuit of a new endeavor, particularly when it involves a significant change in lifestyle.

Think back to the times you’ve contemplated the notion of going out on your own because you’ve single-handedly developed an amazing product and/or concept. You knew it was a fabulous idea; but for some reason, it never happened. Do you ever wonder why you didn’t progress past the “idea” stage?

Your grandiose plan may have failed because you didn’t allow it to happen. You considered all the right things and chose the safer path. Not all of us are risk-takers. In fact, most of us happily live in a protective bubble that prevents us from emotional harm. The good news is that there is hope, because you can program yourself to escape the bubble. You can, in fact, change your life–it just involves changing your mind.

What commonly impedes budding entrepreneurs is facing the options that await them and realizing that they have to take that first step to embark on their journey. So they fall back into the “safe zone” that has kept them comfortable for so many years, and their idea dies before it ever gets to the proverbial “drawing board.” After much thought, would-be entrepreneurs rapidly abandon the planning stage, rationalizing that the idea might not work, it’s too expensive or they simply don’t have the time.

I recently found myself in that predicament. Although I’ve developed numerous and profitable corporations in the past, I felt some trepidation every time I thought of diving into the entrepreneurial pool again. However, today is different because I allowed myself to be open to a psychological change.

On a recent morning as I walked my golden retriever, P.J., an infallible idea crossed my mind. Instead of second-guessing this idea, I embraced it. I knew immediately that I was embarking on a million-dollar idea. I stopped dead in my tracks, thinking of ways to promote the product. I recognized that it has the potential to be of use to every person on the planet. This feeling of déjà vu–accompanied by a familiar and evolving “vision”–was exhilarating, and yet unnerving. I felt a recognizable twinge of excitement similar to what I had experienced more than 20 years ago when I first developed my franchising model. Could it happen twice in a lifetime?

I’ve always embraced a challenge, but this time, things seemed a bit scarier–after all, I’m older and (I hope) wiser. I should now be more “rational” in my decisions because I’ve learned from my mistakes and vowed not to repeat them. In fact, I’ve pursued so many different avenues throughout the years, as a businesswoman, attorney and psychologist, it seems as though I should find a comfortable desk and leather chair in which to retire. I’ve earned it.

In theory, I should probably refrain from pursuing these major projects and play a few rounds of golf every week. But the concept and development of this new corporation must move forward because the new idea is truly a great idea. Would I be happy going to my grave knowing that I abandoned what would be such an innovative thing for so many people? No, I’m not ready to retire yet, and I’m not prepared to fail: Practical or not, here we go again.

This is more than positive thinking. Pursuing a major plan involves a growth process illustrating that you have faith in yourself and your concept. It is an all-encompassing endeavor to pursue an idea and make it one of your most important accomplishments. How do you overcome the obstacles of fear and reluctance? How do you go about implementing the “psychology of change?”

First, know that making a change is tough, so expect and be prepared for a challenge. You may have to fight your rational mind and the part of your intellect that doesn’t enjoy pursuing the “unknown.” After all, there’s a risk of failure with any unfamiliar endeavor. You can develop the mental toughness if you’re willing, especially if it will fulfill your lifelong dream of self-employment.

At what time and with how much risk do you forge ahead? There’s no generic answer. You can only rely on your ability to make a personal decision based on your own interpretation of self–and that takes nerve and perseverance. If you know that the time for change and growth is appropriate and imminent, then you’ve started to participate in the psychology of change. I advocate taking the time to address any and all potential options to attain your goal. I also encourage a new or seasoned entrepreneur to research, ask questions, find experts and pursue her dream.

However, it’s critical for you to consider to what extent you can engage in this idea. Again, preparation is key. Consider finances or potential backers, time factors, impacts on your family and your own energy level. The journey of an entrepreneur is not necessarily for the faint of heart. Success only comes with self-reliance. It will be you who conceptualizes, implements and relentlessly pursues your unique idea until you build it into the original concept depicted in your mind’s eye. Perhaps your idea will lie dormant until next year or the year after–but hold onto your dream until you can make it a reality.

I always tell my clients to enjoy the ride, make it count, respect your ideas and prepare for the time of your life–if you’re willing to make a change.

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Cynthia McKay, CEO of The McKay Group LLC, is a business growth consultant, attorney and psychotherapist. She has been featured on major television shows such as Todayand Lifetime Television. She serves as a participant on USA Today’s CEP panel and has been featured in Time magazine, The Wall Street Journal, McCall’s and other major publications.