When Change Happens
Change is challenging.
Going from a comfortable current state to something new and different causes discomfort in social structures, established habits, working norms, and even our psychological safety.
But change is also required for growth to occur - any plant will show you!
This week I led a session called "How To Shift Your Teaching" for the JZ Mvt Pro Community & Pilates Comprehensive Clinic. The subject focused simply on gaining confidence to make small shifts in your teaching and giving yourself "permission" to do things differently.
Fear, risk, and uncertainty are always factors in making shifts. In our session, we discovered that what felt most at risk was the relationships that might be affected by the shifts we make - namely, those with our clients and colleagues. In a world where cancel culture is part of the zeitgeist, I could understand the fear, but I also had a solution:
Involve them.
Now - this doesn't mean giving over complete control or asking for approval with every new strategy or variation. Rather, it's a means of choosing to ask for input that can either clarify, conflict or add curiosity to your process. For example:
You've got a great idea for a session and you go in waving your "new exercise" flag for all your clients to see. No matter how jazzed you are, it's important to get your client's buy in first. A simple:
I've got a new variation that I learned and I'd love to try it with you. Does today feel like a day for new things or should I save it for another session?
can make the difference between a session "flipping" into something magical or "flopping" into failure. Or maybe with a critical colleague:
I've been exploring using this tool with this exercise - have you ever had an experience with this?
The point is not to see approval, but involvement. It's not about getting them on board with your shifts. Instead, it's about giving them a choice as to whether or not they want to be involved with something that's happening. The more you hold it back, the more it's going to scratch at you, so the change is inevitable, but the opportunity to let someone into an exciting exploration may even give them a nudge to explore on their own.
Of course, as the great Brene Brown tells us: Not everyone is worthy of your story. You don't have to invite everyone into your process - the option is there for you. And while there may be some "nos," I'm willing to bet that your "yeses" will add so much more to your process that you wouldn't have received otherwise.
If you're getting ready to make a shift - consider the above.
If you're in the midst of the shift - enjoy it. Be messy and curious and pay attention to what sticks (not everything will!) Your willingness to let growth happen will inevitably surprise you with the ways that you can grow. And as someone who's been growing a ton this quarter, I can tell you that it happens with or without your permission, so you might as well enjoy the ride!
Have a restful Sunday xo
Much Love,
Jenna
P.S. The training and lots more like it are part of the JZ MVT Pro Community membership as well as the Pilates Comprehensive Program. Both are robust, educational, movement support programs for professionals. Click the links to check them out and join us :).
