How to Make a Change

I read Bon Appétit magazine every month, cover to cover, in an effort to become a better cook. Two or three months ago there was an article about a mom who told her family they’d be going vegetarian. The kids rebelled. But when she told them it would only be for a week, the mood lightened.

The article stuck with me and I decided to join my home-from-college vegetarian daughter, Emma, and quit meat for a week.

That was seven weeks ago and I am still going strong. If you had told me that I was going to last this long, I’d have laughed in your general direction. But if you had told me that I’d go for a week—seven times in a row—I would have known that you discovered my secret for making a life change.

Think of one sales habit that you would like to change or improve. What’s the first thing that came to mind? Was it time management? Laziness and procrastination? Or were you thinking of something more personal like weight loss or exercise?

Now think about what it would take in order to make that change.

Ugh!

Immediately, the mind goes negative with thoughts of enduring the painful, endless work required to reach the intended goal:

• “I need to make HOW MANY extra calls a day?”
• “No meat AND no booze? Seriously?”
• “Exercise? Does walking to the fridge count?”

Much easier to stay here on the couch with the potato chips and remote and continue to wish things were different.

Two or three weeks ago, I wrote an “Emergency Blog” that was well received. Several of you sent me emails of thanks or to tell stories of hitting bottom and making changes. So, I know you all have it in you to do the work. That must mean that the problem is the “enduring” part.

That is, change seems to take WAY too much time to show itself. Here’s an idea, if that is the case:

If you are looking to stop doing that and start doing this:

1. Come up with a plan (the steps you will take), and then…
2. Commit to putting in the effort for one full week. That’s it.

One week of eating nothing but vegetables.
One week of taking a walk first thing.
One week of leaving the office organized for the next day.
One week of making seven sales calls a day.
One week of not complaining.
One week of being kind to that &^%$ in Customer Service.
One week of practicing a positive mental attitude.
One week of...

One plan for one week. No changes. NONE.

At the end of one week, you can assess the results, see what needs to be altered, alter it, and then decide whether to go another week or make it a permanent part of your life.

Try <<XXX>> for a week. See how you do. Make changes and continue or go eat a burger. Making change can be easier if you split up the task.

And put ketchup on it.

Get on Bill’s calendar for a free sales consult. Reps, let's talk about your sales challenges. Owners, let’s talk about your reps. Go to www.meetme.so/BillFarquharson and book a 30 minute time slot. Bill can also be reached at (781) 934-7036 or bfarquharson@epicomm.org