Just because you decide something has to change in your business or you finally decide to actually take the steps to change doesn’t mean you know how to do it. It is learning, then, putting the knowledge to work that leads to change. There are eight stages to learning to change. Use them as a framework and you will begin to see the transformation.

1. Resisting change. I began talking about going into business for myself for five years before taking the appropriate steps. I resisted change for a while. I refrained from learning and doing what was necessary to start my own business. Complacency and ingratitude for my many gifts, and being creative without driving changes were limiting my success.

2. Accepting change and new values. Eventually, I knew I needed to accept the value of freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. I needed faith and courage to replace my fear, and gratitude to become proactive.

3. Reflecting and self-dialogue. This stage leads to making decisions and taking action. It can last days, weeks, months or – in my case – even years.

4. Demonstrating values in behavior. Freedom and responsibility were the two main values for me. In this stage, it is normal for the behaviors demonstrating the values to be done inconsistently. For me, that meant that my marketing efforts were inconsistent. Thus, the results were inconsistent. This is part of the learning process. Experience moves knowledge from the head to the heart and always involves some missteps.

5. Evaluating oneself. I developed a system for tracking my business activity and monitoring each aspect weekly. This data was a way of evaluating my performance against my goals. What mattered was not whether I hit my goals, but that I was doing the activities and process. Monitoring my activities kept me motivated, which in turn, kept me on track for developing my business.

6. Developing supportive relationships. I developed supportive relationships with people who could help me learn and support my development. I was helped by colleagues who served as my coach and mentors. I developed relationships with clients and prospects. I developed relationships with people less experienced then me who I could coach and mentor. Through these relationships, I evolved and grew. As a result of my personal growth, my business grew.

7. Increasing knowledge and understanding. This stage is a natural progression from the previous six. Knowledge and understanding will eventually come.

8. Performing behaviors consistently. Finally, the change is complete.

If you’re ready to make the change take the necessary steps by signing up for the Business Baby Shower Contest, and be connected and committed to creating something great.