On a recent call in small group coaching, one of the members of the group was thinking about making a much-needed change to their business, and realized they felt vulnerable. They didn’t necessarily want to show up in public with the change they wanted to make.
Vulnerability needs to be honored. There’s always something it’s trying to tell you, and it’s almost never, “Just push through!”
I pointed out that there are at least two different sources for feeling vulnerable in a moment like this, and it’s important to discern which one is giving rise to the vulnerability you’re experiencing.
You can feel vulnerable because the change you’re contemplating is still cooking, you don’t feel complete, ready, or solid. In these instance, it’s really important to not make the change public. Very often, when we’re nourishing something new, it takes time and needs protection while it grows roots, puts out leaves, and gains strength before it’s put into public view.
Another reason vulnerability arises before a change is when you actually do feel solid, strong, and clear in yourself about the change that needs to be made. But, you’re also worried about how it will be received, if folks in your audience will have negative reactions.
In this case, it will be important to face the vulnerability and make the change you feel clear and strong about. In preparation, you can bring the folks whose reactions you’re worried about into clear focus. Often what clients see when they do this is realize that they are only worried about reactions from a small minority of people, and that in thinking about others, they realize how much support there is.
Gathering support from people close to you can also help. By letting them know you are going to be making a change, and you feel clear about it, yet also really vulnerable, means that they can have your back. They can support you before, during and after you make a change in your business public.
If you’re contemplating a change, maybe it’s a pricing change, or a new offering, or some other shift in your business that feels significant to you, I encourage you to get clear where the vulnerability is arising from.
If you’re not clear and strong, let it gestate longer. There’s no reason to be in a rush. Most deadlines are artificially created, and by taking your time to let the change solidify in you, the chances of successfully navigating the change go up dramatically.
If you are clear and strong, gather people around you who can support you. Take your time, also, to really soak in the strength and clarity you have. And remember to zoom out, and include in your contemplations not just the folks whose reactions you’re worried about, but others who you know will be more supportive as well.
What do you see when you do this? What comes up in your heart?
With love,
Mark Silver, M.Div.
Heart of Business, Inc.
Every act of business can be an act of love.
p.s. Surrender, Sovereignty and Strategy home study intensive
Last week I led an intimate group through the Surrender, Sovereignty and Strategy Intensive. The time together was sacred, and vulnerable and tender and powerful. I watched, and experienced for me, too, as tremendous healing took place.
I know there were people who wanted to attend who couldn’t, for a variety of reasons. Because of that, we are currently editing the videos from the intensive, while preserving anonymity of the participants, to create a package of teachings, practices, and discussions that you can dive into on your own.
Look for more information soon! We’ll let you know as soon as it’s available.
