Reinventing & Readjusting when things just aren’t working out

This blog is personal to me. After 37 years in this Industry, I’ve had to have a come to Jesus moment with my Business model in regard to Education.

I was all excited about expanding into a larger location which would accommodate a classroom large enough to host 16 attendees, my Contego pedi chair, Nail Table and even a small entertainment center.

I knew since Covid, how Education was presented and received was completely different than “preC”. Yet, I was optimistic. I still believed our Technicians would still want the inter-action with their piers, especially when it came to specific, quality education.

What I didn’t account for was the economy. I soon realized the cost of getting to a class…travel, food, accommodations would all skyrocket over the past 3.5 years.

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Life and Business are full of ups and downs. Sometimes despite our best efforts, things just don’t go as planned…as I have recently accepted.

Whether it’s a personal endeavor, a Business venture or a creative project, recognizing when things aren’t working out is the first step to positive change. Because of my recent decision, I can already feel the positive changes about to happen.

However, we can’t skip the fact that reinventing and readjusting can seem daunting…and it is. However, it can also lead to growth, renewed passion, and a clearer path forward.  This….I am speaking from experience.

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How do we go about reinventing or readjusting without feeling like a failure?

• Recognize and accept the reality
  • The first step to reinventing yourself or your Business is to acknowledge something isn’t working. This requires a ton of honesty and self-awareness which, is exactly what I had to do.
  • Sometimes we are so attached to the idea or the plan, we resist admitting when it’s not panning out. I had to understand, accepting reality isn’t a sign of failure. It is actually courageous and demonstrates we are ready to make things better.
• Evaluate what went wrong
  • Once you have accepted a change is necessary, take time to evaluate what went wrong. I had to ask myself;
    • Was it lack of planning? NO
    • Did I misread the market or overestimate its capabilities? YES
    • Was there a shift in my target market? BIG TIME YES
  • However, understanding the root causes and admitting to them will help to avoid making the same mistakes in the future and better yet, provide clarity on what needs to be adjusted.
• Reconnect with your “why”
  • When things go wrong, it’s easy to get lost in the details and lose sight of the bigger picture. For me, I got lost in the details of having a physical classroom and got lost in remembering what my real passion is…..teaching!
  • Remember, why did you start this journey in the first place? Remember your values and passions. Reflection can reignite your drive and provide direction for your next steps.
• Embrace flexibility and open-mindedness
  • Open your mind to new ideas and strategies. Sometimes the path to success looks different than we imagined.
  • Maybe we have to pivot by exploring new markets. The willingness to adapt is key to reinventing and finding new opportunities.
• Set clear and realistic goals
  • Once the picture is clear and you understand a change needs to be made, set specific, measurable, relevant and time bound goals.
  • Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps.  This will help the big elephant seem smaller and help you stay motivated.
• Take action and embrace the unknown
  • Change can be very uncomfortable yet, taking action is the only way to move forward.
  • Understand uncertainty is a natural part of the process.
  • Instead of fearing the unknown, embrace it as an opportunity for growth and discovery.
• Reflect and reassess on a regular basis
  • I do this all the time which is why I am making the changes I am. Reinvention is not a one time event. It’s an ongoing process.
  • Be willing to make adjustments if necessary.
  • Stay proactive in seeking feedback and be ready to evolve as new challenges and maybe even opportunities arise.

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Reinventing and readjusting when things aren’t working out can be a transformative experience. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow and create something even better than before.

With the right mindset, strategy and even support, you can turn challenges into stepping stones for success which, is exactly what I plan to do.

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I personally have taken a deep breath, made a big decision which I am ready to take that step into my reinvention journey with the confidence I know I have and fierce determination.

I have realized this new world does not include constant in-house classes. I have realized it is “I” who has to conform to the generations of today. And, I need to practice what I preach. If every sq ft of space is not making money…..get rid of it.

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I am reinventing the way I teach. Moving forward I will be offering one FREE webinar per month. Each month I will host a different topic. Coming up is Toenail Restoration, CBD pedicure, Anti-Aging for hands & feet….just to name a few.

Each webinar is designed to give you enough information to help you make a clear decision on what you might want to do for your Business model without having to invest $$$$. Each webinar will be 1 hour sessions with 30 minutes Q & A.

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I will be offering in-person classes all over the USA. However, the outline of these classes will be entirely different than how I manage them now. More details on those classes soon.

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I share my story in the above format because a big part of change is having a good support system.  Reinventing or readjusting can be very stressful and challenging. Having the right support system can make a big difference.

I want you to know, you are not alone.  Everyone at some point in their lives, sometimes more than once have to go through a reinvention or readjusting period. Talking about your change and sharing your story, as I am mine can bring on a fresh perspective and spark new ideas.

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So, if you have been stifled in your growth, concerned about your Business, frozen in time…..take action and embrace the unknown.  Understand that uncertainty is a natural part of the growth process and embrace the change as an opportunity for growth and discovery.

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CJ Murray, President