Change: The Good, The Bad, and The Terrifying

Written by LiveLink
April 23rd 2025

Change: The Good, The Bad, and The Slightly Terrifying 

Let’s talk about change. Not the kind you find at the back of your sofa , but the real kind — the shake-up-your-business, turn-things-upside-down, “oh wow, I didn’t see that coming” kind.

Whether you’re a seasoned small business owner or just starting out, change is something you’ll come face-to-face with more times than you can count. It could be the decision to expand your services, move to a new location, hire your first staff member, or shift everything online. Or maybe it’s the kind of change that’s thrust upon you — new regulations, market shifts, a pandemic (remember that?), or even a major client deciding to part ways.

No matter how it arrives, change always brings a mix of opportunity, anxiety, hope, and more than a few sleepless nights. So, let’s look at the ups, the downs, and how you can stay mentally grounded when change comes along. Because it will — whether you invited it in or not.

First, it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, some of the best things that happen in business come from embracing the unknown and having change forced upon you. Many businesses really stepped up during the pandemic.

Growth 

Change can be the spark that pushes your business to evolve. Maybe you spotted a gap in the market and decided to pivot. Perhaps you streamlined your services and found a more profitable niche. Or you finally invested in that bit of software you’d been eyeing, and now your admin time is cut in half. Whoop!

A Fresh Perspective

Sometimes, a change of scenery — literal or metaphorical — gives you the clarity you didn’t know you needed. A different approach can open doors you hadn’t considered. Maybe that forced switch to Zoom meetings showed you that you can work with clients anywhere, not just locally. Maybe a new team member brought an idea that turned your systems around. Change encourages us to look again, to think differently, to innovate. How many of us embraced remote working? We all moved home three years previously and people mocked me. They’re not mocking now.

Stronger Foundations

When things shift, you’re often forced to reassess. What’s working? What’s not? Where’s the dead weight? That self-reflection can be uncomfortable, but it also helps you build a leaner, more resilient business. Change can act as a bit of a business detox — unpleasant in the moment, brilliant in the long run.

The Not-So-Fun Side of Change

Of course, change isn’t all fireworks,, excitement and breakthroughs. Sometimes it’s messy, painful, and totally overwhelming. And it can be expensive.

Uncertainty and Anxiety

We are creatures of habit. Even the most free-spirited entrepreneur likes a bit of predictability. So when change barges in uninvited, it can leave you feeling unanchored. Will this decision work out? What if it fails? What if clients leave? What if I can’t afford this? These are the mental loops we get stuck in — and they’re exhausting. But what happens if you don’t change. And really, what is the worst that can happen.

Increased Workload

Big changes often come with growing pains. Whether you’re learning new tech, onboarding a team, or rewriting your marketing, it usually means extra effort in the short term. And if you’re already stretched (which, let’s be honest, most small business owners are), that extra push can feel like a mountain. Outsourcing will be your friend.

Emotional Turmoil

Even positive change can bring emotional turbulence. You might feel excitement one day, then paralysing fear the next. That’s completely normal — you’re not going mad, you’re just a human doing hard things. The emotional highs and lows are part of the ride. Grab a pen and paper and write down your thoughts. If nothing else, it will calm you down.

Managing the Mental Side of Change

So how do you deal with the inner chaos when outer change is happening? Whether it’s something you’ve chosen or something that’s been thrown at you, looking after your mindset is just as important as updating your business plan.

Here are a few gentle reminders (and practical tips) to help you stay sane:

Acknowledge the Feelings

Change, even when it’s good, often brings grief. You might be leaving behind a way of working that’s familiar. You might be mourning a loss of control. All of that is valid. Don’t rush to “stay positive” — give yourself space to feel what you feel.

Talk it Out

You don’t have to do it alone. Talk to other business owners, your partner, your best mate, or even a mentor. Saying things out loud takes the power out of your fears and helps you get clarity. Plus, someone else might have been through the same thing and can share their hard-earned wisdom.

Break It Down

Big change can feel paralysing. So break it down. What’s the next step? Just the next one. Maybe it’s sending that email. Or signing up for a trial of a new tool. Or scheduling a meeting. One step at a time will win the day.

Celebrate the Wins

It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come when you’re in the thick of it. Take a moment to reflect on past changes you’ve handled. Remind yourself: you’ve done hard things before, and you’ll do them again. Give yourself a high five — and maybe a glass of something fizzy — for every little win. I’m an expert at celebrating wins – any excuse!

Be Kind to Yourself

Seriously. Change is hard enough without you beating yourself up for not doing it “perfectly”. There’s no gold medal for flawless change management. Rest when you need to. Say no when you can. And remember: progress beats perfection, every time.

Change is a bit like the weather — sometimes you can see it coming, sometimes it arrives out of nowhere. And while it can be uncomfortable, it’s also what keeps business (and life!) moving forward. For small businesses, change is often the birthplace of growth, resilience, and those brilliant “aha” moments that redefine your path. Think of it like a game of chess. Check mate!