How often do you avoid making work changes because you don’t know what will happen?

This occurs with many work changes, whether it’s deciding to hire new staff, revamping your practice model, or even quitting dentistry. I remember being an associate in an office with a hygienist who brought a lot of negativity with her. She was amazing in so many ways, but her undercurrent of negativity affected the energy of the entire office. It was hard for us to see it until she left on her own. I came to realize that the practice was holding on to her because of the fear that we might not find someone else as good as she was. But we did, and it also became a much more positive work environment for everyone.

No matter what it is, we never really know how a change will turn out. We often don’t know what we want to do, and we don’t know if what we try will even work. This insecurity makes us worry about all the potential pitfalls and failures. We imagine that things can only be worse than they currently are.  So instead we do nothing. We stay paralyzed by the fear of the unknown, as we spiral deeper and deeper into inaction. Worrying holds us back, so why not try another way?

What if we decide to be more curious about what lies ahead?

Even though I know this, I sometimes fall victim to the frustrations of fearing the unknown. The trick for me is to notice it and change course. When I catch it, I see myself getting irritable, annoyed, and very creative. I’m great at creating worst case scenarios that are usually not based on reality. In fact, I often create scenarios that are worse than reality. This doesn’t serve me, and I know it. I also realize I don’t want to spend my energy feeling that way.

Just having awareness is always helpful to stop the worrying spiral. That gives me the chance to see opportunities instead of just seeing problems, and whatever lies ahead seems less daunting.

One of the best things I’ve learned was to wonder instead of worry.

In a coaching group I joined years ago, one particular discussion influenced my thinking forever. At the time I was as stuck as can be. Everyone in the room related to feeling afraid of not knowing how things in our lives would turn out. That fear often prevented us from trying new things or taking action. In the discussion, my therapist shared an analogy that changed my perspective forever. Think about when you see a movie. You never want to know the ending. Watching a movie unfold without knowing is much more fun! You will do anything you can to make sure you avoid the spoiler and get to have your own experience. It’s true. We never want to hear how the story ends before we have arrived there on our own. It ruins the story for us. It ruins the experience.

Maybe we can we enjoy watching our own movies unfold!

Of course it’s easier to enjoy the unknown when you believe nothing is at stake, but we can still try to have a little more fun with our lives. Imagine watching the movie of your life and thinking,

I don’t want to know the ending. I want to experience my story as it unfolds, just like when I watch a movie.

If you’re contemplating big or small life or work changes, this can help you move forward. Whether it’s deciding to open your own practice, firing your long-time assistant who now brings you down, or leaving dentistry for good, there’s probably a reason you are contemplating change. Don’t let worrying hold you back when you can have the chance to make things better while experiencing a new adventure.

Simply not knowing the next step can be an adventure. What do you think would happen if you allowed a little more space in your life for some fun or adventure?

The next time you retract from moving forward, try it. Get curious. Replace worrying about what will happen with wondering what will happen. I wonder how that will change your ability to take even one tiny step forward.