What's your greatest fear? Is it stopping you?

Spring has finally arrived here in Minnesota. It took longer than usual by a few weeks, and I almost wiped a little tear of joy from my cheek when I looked at the extended forecast and saw that our daily high was over freezing for the foreseeable future, even shooting into the 60's and 70's.

The changing of the seasons is something I love about Minnesota, much as I don't love the harsh winters. Every season brings something special and unique, but I particularly love the freshness and newness of spring. I'm definitely one to fling open the windows and jump into spring cleaning as soon as the temperature gets above about 45 degrees.

But change doesn't always feel invigorating and exciting.

When asked what my greatest fear was, I used to say "change."

Because change can feel scary and overwhelming and unpredictable.

It can make us shut the curtains rather than fling open the windows.

Why?

Because change can be hard. It feels uncomfortable and unfamiliar, and our brains really don't like things that are uncomfortable and unfamiliar. In fact, our brains are hard-wired to resist change because what we've been doing has been keeping us alive, and that's really all our brain cares about.

But we want more than surviving.

We want thriving.

We want to learn and grow and develop.

We want to change the things that aren't working.

We want to feel better and reach new goals.

But stretching beyond where we are right now can (and likely will) feel uncomfortable, but don't let that stop you.

What you want is on the other side of your discomfort. And if you're willing to feel that discomfort, the world is your oyster.

This is what I share every time I speak to a group or coach a client. I never sugar-coat anything. You know I'm a tell-it-like-it-is person: the change process isn't covered in glitter and rose petals.

But it's worth it to get to where you want to be.

So embrace the discomfort - it means great things are on the horizon.

And don't be afraid of the discomfort. It doesn't mean anything is wrong. In fact, it means you are in the process of creating the results you desire!

Now instead of being afraid of change, I think I would be afraid of not changing, of not growing, of not stretching myself and changing things around me for the better.

So celebrate that discomfort, and keep going!

I'm always rooting for you and here to support you!