Ever notice how people say they want change… right up until change actually happens?

Last weekend, I made a trip up to Liverpool to watch the Villa taking on Everton at their new stadium. They’ve been building this stadium for the past 4 years and there’s been a lot of excitement and chatter about it in the football community. 

800 million pounds’ worth of shiny metal and concrete. It looks like a spaceship. Modern, sleek, full of bells and whistles. You get a great view from every seat, you don’t get soaked when it rains, and it’s clearly built for the next 100 years. Plus, it’s located right by the docks, surrounded by very old buildings that I would expect used to be cotton mills and paper factories and maritime buildings – the perfect combination of modern development and old British charm. 

Sounds like a win, right? Not for everyone. Loads of fans aren’t happy. They miss Goodison Park. Say the new place doesn’t have the same soul. That it’s too clean. Too polished. Lacks character. But let’s be honest…Goodison was on its last legs. It was dated, cramped, falling apart. Full of history, sure, but you can’t build the future clinging to the past. And yet… people still resist. Because deep down, most of us don’t actually want change. We want progress…But we want it to feel familiar.

But that’s not how it works, is it? There’s something called status quo bias in psychology. It’s the tendency to stick with what we know, even when there’s a better option in front of us. Familiar feels safe. Even if it’s broken. Even if it’s holding us back. I see it all the time in business. People say things like…  “We’ve had the same system for years, and yeah, it’s clunky but we know it.” “We’ve been in this office since 1998 – sure it’s small and falling apart, but it’s home.” Sound familiar?

Earlier this year, we moved offices. Bigger. Smarter. Bit of a stretch, to be honest. But we didn’t move for who we are now – we moved for who we’re becoming. And it wasn’t easy. New routines. More overheads. Teething problems with broadband… But already, the difference it’s made is huge. More space. More energy. More clarity. Sometimes, you’ve just got to back yourself and move forward. Even if it feels uncomfortable. Because comfort never built anything great.

So here’s my question for you… What’s the one part of your business that needs to change – but you’re holding back, because the old way feels easier? Hit reply and let me know. Always up for a good chat about progress.