Monday, December 15, 2008

Change

When you desire change, whether it's in life, with a project, or in your writing, do you proceed with caution and trepidation? Unsure of your speed and precision until you know where it may take you? Or do you make the early decision to move ahead with assertion, ready for whatever it takes?

Do tell.

22 comments:

Janet said...

I'm cautious until I actually make the decision. Then it's full steam ahead. I refuse to second guess myself, or it just never ends.

WendyCinNYC said...

I have to remind myself to be cautious about change. Maybe I was a gypsy in a past life, because I'm constantly wanting to a) move or b) get to the next thing, whatever that may be.

If it's a good change, then full steam ahead.

Anonymous said...

Hmm. Caution and trepidation can sometimes cause you stop mid-jump, especially with writing. I think it's important to understand the impact of the change you want to implement as well as what's involved in completing it. If after that the change is really something you want, then dive into the deep end of the pool and swim. To me it's either a do or do not.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Usually metal to the pedal and full speed ahead. I may burn out, but while whatever-the-change-is takes place, I fully enjoy.

Anonymous said...

I usually start out slow, weighing the pros and cons, then it's full steam ahead.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Janet - The second-guessing is where I struggle, too.

Wendy - A gypsy woman, eh? Nice! :)

Cel - Maybe that is the most important part: Understanding the impact.

Angie - I'm totally not surprised! :P

Ang - That makes absolute sense, so you know exactly where you're headed.

Melissa Amateis said...

I think I'm cautious overall. When I make the decision in the first place, I'm pretty gung-ho. But then reality intrudes and I have to realize that some changes do not happen overnight.

Joanne said...

I definitely think things through, being sure of my intent, and how to reach it. Pro/cons, what-ifs, options, paths. I'm more surefooted then making the change, and confident in moving forward.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Melissa - I think this describes me. I realize what I want, and then the thinking comes, when I have to figure out all the means and the whys.

Joanne - Planning can be so crucial to change. In fact, you likely can't have one without the other.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I'm definitely cautious, but I don't always tell others of my plans so it may seem more like I jump into things. I commented on another blog Saturday that while I'm determined, I lack motivation, and sometimes it feels safer to take my time making tough decisions. I am getting better at it and ignoring the desire to consult 100 people before doing anything.

Rachel Burton said...

I probably put entreily too little thought into it! I'm impulsive and random, so I'll try things with no clear idea of a) what I'm doing and b) whether it'll work!

Anonymous said...

I weigh everything, wash, lather, rinse and repeat. My true Librian nature, I guess.

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

I am a "fast forward" person...quick to evaluate and act. Though I take life altering decisions to pray first and then the "pros and cons" written list and consult with people whose opinion I value before I make a decision.

Travis Erwin said...

I tend to plunge right in and go from there.

Terri Tiffany said...

I think about it abit and then once I've decided--I have to do it fast! What changes are you thinking on?

Janna Leadbetter said...

Melanie - "while I'm determined, I lack motivation..." - I think that's an apt description for me sometimes, too.

Rachel - Sometimes I wish I could be more spontaneous like that.

Kimmi - I like it! ;)

Donna - Yes, those life-altering decisions are the ones that take the most thought.

Travis - Do you think it's a "man thing" or mostly personality?

Terri - I'm that way with small things, and the bigger ones get much more analyzation. It would be a big change, but that's all I'm comfortable saying for now. (Sorry.)

Anonymous said...

I am a control freak. If I have control over the change, and the outcome, then I will jump into it.

If it is a change that I have no control of, then I worry, and worry, and worry, until I think I have explored every possible negative outcome. I think worrying gives me the illusion that I have control over something. :)

Anonymous said...

Oops... anonymous was me. :)

Janna Leadbetter said...

Anon/Turk - Aha! I was wonderin'. :)

Barb Davis said...

I'm a cautious person by nature and I move forward carefully. But, when I decide to do something, I usually do it with gusto.

Anonymous said...

Depends. If it's my hair, my brain short-circuits and I certainly don't think prior to acting.

Anything else, I guess I'm fairly cautious. I don't really like BIG changes.
-FringeGirl

Joshua said...

my level of caution when it pertains to change, depends on the level of change. If it is a change i need right this second, the concern for caution is minimal. I would rather have the change than worry about the problems associated with my decision. Now, if the change could take a little bit of time, I would be more cautious with my plans.

:)