It has been said that, “There can be change without progress, but not progress without change.”

When was the last time you were told to let go and move on when you were clinging to something that you needed to change or let go of?

Changing some things is easier than others. It depends on how strong an attachment we have to something, whether that’s through ego, emotion or uncertainty. Changing one’s mind when there isn’t much at stake can be rather simple. But when the perceived cost or risk of change is great, then change is more difficult.

When it comes to changing ourselves, the process can be daunting and emotional, but so can changing the direction of your company when a strategy isn’t working. In either case, change begins with a decision.

We’ve all observed those who are quick to decide on making changes. They appear more confident and seem to garner better results in pursuit of their goals. It doesn’t take much for them to decide that change is necessary.

On the other hand, there are those who agonize over the need to change, or more likely, deny that change is needed, even though the status quo isn’t working. As a result, they often stay stuck in an unproductive cycle and complain about their lack of progress. In these cases, it takes the proverbial two-by-four cracked over the head to create change.

We all have something that we know we need to change. Whether it’s in the way we do business, the direction we’re headed or in how we’re living everyday life. So ask yourself - “What do I need to change, and when am I going to do it?”

Although there’s no guarantee that quick changers make better decisions than those who need to be hit over the head, it does seem clear that when you know that a change is needed, quickly seems better than agony.