Hey there Reader,
Stepping Into Change: Building the Muscle for Transformation
Change requires commitment. It requires perseverance.
And sometimes, it just feels really hard.
When we’re standing at the edge of something new—a career shift, retirement, a move, a relationship change, or following a long-held dream—it can feel overwhelming. The uncertainty, the risk, the fear of the unknown can keep us frozen in place.
I have experienced more changes than I can count. Moving away from BC, the end of a significant relationship, moving back to BC from Ontario, starting new jobs with no direct experience (and huge imposter syndrome), getting married with three stepchildren, and facing retirement. All of these required stepping into action in spite of my fear.
Change is all around us, and it truly is one of the only constants in life.
The Comfort Trap
There’s a reason we stay where we are: it’s predictable. Even if it’s not fully satisfying, it’s known, and that gives us a sense of control.
Stepping into the unknown, however, requires courage and a level of trust in ourselves.
And that’s where we often hesitate.
I once worked with a client who was deeply struggling with change.
She knew she wanted more in her life—more alignment, more ease, more fulfillment—but taking action meant risking the stability of her current relationships. She wrestled with the possibility of loss, the fear of uncertainty, and the discomfort of making choices that might shake up her world.
It wasn’t an easy road, but little by little, she built the confidence to step into what she truly wanted.
And in doing so, she discovered something powerful: the more she faced small fears, the more capable she became of facing bigger ones.
The key wasn’t to leap blindly into massive change. Instead, it was about strengthening her ability to handle uncertainty, one step at a time.
Three Ways to Build Your Change Muscles
- Start Small – Instead of tackling the biggest, most overwhelming change in your life, start with something that feels manageable. Maybe it’s saying no to a small commitment you don’t actually want to do. Maybe it’s changing your morning routine or prioritizing a habit you’ve been neglecting. Small successes build confidence.
- Practice Discomfort – If stepping into change feels too risky, practice making smaller, low-stakes decisions outside of your comfort zone. Order something different at your favorite restaurant. Take a new route home. Say yes (or no) to something you normally wouldn’t. The more you flex this muscle, the stronger it becomes.
- Measure Your Wins – Track the small changes you make and how they impact you. Did saying no free up space for something better? Did tackling a long-avoided task give you momentum? Noticing progress, no matter how small, reinforces your ability to navigate bigger transitions.
Three Coaching Prompts to Reflect On
- Where in your life are you avoiding change, and what fear is holding you back from taking the first step?
- How has staying in a familiar but unfulfilling situation impacted your well-being and sense of possibility?
- What is one small action you can take this week to build your confidence in navigating uncertainty?
“In any given moment we have two options:
to step forward into growth
or step back into safety”
Abraham Maslow
Your Next Step
Change doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing leap. It can be a series of intentional, manageable steps that build your confidence and capacity over time.
What’s one small action you can take this week to strengthen your ability to step into change?
If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or unsure where to begin, let’s talk. I help individuals just like you navigate life transitions with clarity and confidence. Book a free consultation today, and let’s take that first step together.
With belief in you,
Marianne
What’s Coming and what is available:
- An upcoming FREE ZOOM call for those wanting to explore managing the mid winter challenges and opportunities. Dates and sign up COMING!
- 90 minutes private session on “Life By Design” – a laser coaching session to hone in on your top priorities and create clarity and a blueprint for success.
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