Fresh Start Monday #037: Pursuing change before we need to

Last week, I shared a short parable about change. I highly recommend you read it. This week, we explore when to make that change.

Charles Handy talks a lot about the Sigmoid Curve or S-curve shown below.

When we first make a change, things start slow. We may wonder if we made the wrong decision or why we have yet to see any progress. Point A is when we see our efforts start paying off. We grow rapidly and find success. At point B, we start to see diminishing returns. Point C is when we hit the decline.

Take a minute and identify the s-curve in an area of your life. It may be in your relationships, hobbies, or career interests.

When I traveled abroad for three years, the s-curve was clear in retrospect. I felt lost the first month. Between point A and B, I had the adventure of a lifetime. Two years later, I flew to Asia and hit the diminishing returns of travel until I found myself at Point C, waiting to return home.

I see the s-curve play out in many of my career coaching clients as well.

They start a new job. During the first 90 days or the onboarding period, you are given little responsibility and are still learning the role or company. As you hit point A, you hit your stride. You take on new projects and make an impact on the company. Point B is when you start noticing you're bored or have been doing the same thing for six months. Point C is burnout, or a layoff.

The problem is most career coaching clients come to coaching at point C!

Point C is reactionary. At point C, you NEED a job. You don't have options at point C.

One client told me last week they're not doing any career-focused work or networking once they get a new job. I understand that sentiment. But the phrase, "the best time to look for a job is when you have one" comes from somewhere.

You often know you've waited too long when you are in a repetitive cycle of burnout, unhappiness, or laid off and looking for the next job.

As humans, we naturally want to stay with what's working, but if you start between point A and point B, large salary increases or pivots are possible.

It's when you have the most leverage. It's when you're the most willing to walk away from a job offer. It's when you bring an abundance mindset.

The goal is to start a new s-curve between point A and B and not wait for point C like most of us do. The paradox of change is that when we need to change, our environment and the people around us are telling us the opposite.

Starting a new curve doesn't mean you need to find a new job. It can be the new stage of something you're already doing. If you're staying at the same company, that might mean asking for new projects or additional responsibilities to secure that promotion.

Another sign of needing to change earlier is when you feel stuck at the same stage over and over. Let's use dating as an example. Let's say you've had a few shorter relationships or gone on several great dates, but they start to fizzle out. Ask yourself, what does point A of a committed relationship look like?

The most important thing to remember is that life constantly changes. Will you be ready for it?

Where are you starting that new s-curve?