When people reach out to me to explore working together, it’s because they want something to change.
After our discovery call, I send a follow-up email because I find it useful for folks to see on “paper” what was discussed during our call. Toward the end of the email is this sentence:
“…Because I know that making changes – even when you initiate it – can kick up some resistance.”
It is now officially Spring for those of us in the Northern hemisphere! And while each season is a marker of change of some sort, spring, in particular, brings with it a palpable sense of renewal, rebirth, and growth.
It serves as a symbolism for new beginnings.
But, the start of spring isn’t the only reason new beginnings are on my mind.
I finally did something my CPA has wanted me to do for years!! I finally made the switch to QuickBooks Online.
Now, your reaction to this news very well might be, whoopty-do0.
You might also be wondering what, in the world, does this have to do with you?
Short answer: A lot.
Especially if we look at my experience of making this decision as a metaphor of how you and I tend to relate to change, in general.
In case you don’t know, I started my business in 1995. That was when I started using Quicken Deluxe (QD). And while we’ve come a long way from installing the software via a disc (!), my CPA has grown increasingly dissatisfied with the reports it generated.
I, on the other hand, loved using QD because it allowed me to track my financial data for both my business and personal finances in a single app.
After nearly 30 years, I was very comfortable navigating the software. Plus, I had my expenses categorized exactly how I wanted them to be. In other words, QD had that old slipper feel to it.
My familiarity with QD made me feel “safe,” and I really liked the “security” that came from knowing there was a digital repository that preserved my financial history.
I admit, I was stuck. Because even though I knew my being tied to this tool was making the job of my CPA more difficult than it needed to be, I did not make this change without reluctance.
The Six Stages of Change
But like I mentioned above, even the change we want isn’t always easy to navigate.
If you are a client or prospect reading this, the irony of what I’m sharing is not lost on me. So, yes, I’m chuckling at observing my words ricochet back to me. 🙂
This transition to QuickBooks Online (QBO) definitely kicked up some resistance for and from me.
But you know what? Now that I’ve done it, I’m glad I did!! (Oh, the irony.)
And what was also reinforced for me was the reminder that change requires change.
It often necessitates a shift in behavior because behavior is the outward manifestation of our habits, attitudes, and beliefs.
I know you can relate.
I know you, too, have had the experience of being aware that something needed to change, resisting it, finally doing it, and then eventually embracing what you initially resisted.
I know because, well, that’s how humans often behave.
Plus, there’s something called the six stages of change. (There’s a model for everything! 😀) Those stages are:
Precontemplation
At this stage, you are not yet considering change and may be unaware or in denial of the need for change.
For me, that wasn’t the case. I was simply having the adult version of a toddler’s “I don’t wanna” tantrum.
Contemplation
My business tax deadline is March 15th. This means my tax package is due to my CPA by February 15th. And, I was so proud of myself because I submitted everything early. That proud feeling eventually waned after a series of emails, texts, and calls made it clear that I really have tested my CPA’s patience and I need to snap out of it.
So, I was aware of the need for change and could no longer delay taking action.
Preparation
Once I made the commitment to switch to QBO, I then mapped out a work plan for connecting my accounts and reviewing the migrated data to review, assign, and add categories. Especially since I needed to manually upload some statements because the data that was automatically synced was based on a fiscal year (March to March) and not a calendar year (January to December).
Action:
For me, taking action had several dimensions: signing up for QBO; reviewing the data; embracing that I was moving on, using a new tool; and giving myself permission to admit…I actually liked it!
Maintenance:
I’m still at the nascent stage when it comes to using QBO for myself. But, since my accounts are connected and everything is designed to sync automatically, I won’t have to track and review my financial data as I did previously.
Instead, I’ll need to create new behaviors for doing these activities that are in line with my new tool. (I have a suspicion, though, it’ll save me some time, too!)
Termination:
This stage is when you’ve successfully integrated a new behavior and have created guardrails that prevent you from reverting back to your old behavior. Given the nature of this particular change for me, I’m probably already here.
What’s Your New Beginning?
Earlier I mentioned how my feelings of comfort, safety, and security were holding me back from making the switch.
But here’s the kicker!! QuickBooks Online isn’t new to me. Many of my clients use it, so I have experience with the software via their accounts.
Yet, it still felt like unfamiliar territory when it came to me and my business. Thankfully, I eventually got out of my own way.
But the truth is that behavioral and attitudinal change is a process that unfolds over time.
You and I need the space to face several triggers, like:
- the fear of the unknown;
- not wanting to let go of the familiar and/or lose control;
- needing to redefine what risk looks and feels like; and
- having an emotional attachment to what was – so much so that you delay how you move forward;
- etc.
It’s springtime, y’all!
So, let the rejuvenating spirit of spring spill over to your finances (business and personal).
Let the energy and vitality of the season prompt you to:
- revisit your financial goals and strategies;
- confirm if you’re really spending your money in the way you think you are, and if you’re “feeding” the financial component of your goals adequately;
- clean up any financial clutter and ensure your important documents are up to date;
- evaluate your flow of money so you can compare your Q1 results to what your forecasted; and
- use this time to plant the seeds for future financial growth.
And because the market is on fire right now! This is the perfect time to rebalance your portfolio and bring it back in alignment with your target allocation.
Happy Spring!
