I’m not sure how long you’ve been sitting at your desk, wondering; “Is now the time for a dramatic change?” Everyone’s mind wanders when it comes to making startling changes and reinventing oneself. I’ve always been a fan of change, and a fan of a quote from the late professor Bruce Barton who once said, “When you are through changing, you are through.” Well, I am far from through, and last week, I decided to do a little reinventing of my own. While on vacation with my family, I performed my own personal reinvention, and shaved my head. It’s amazing how symbolic this rather radical reinvention has been. I say this because, in a sense, these personal emotions mirror the lessons that that can be found when reinventing your business. Here are just three of those lessons:

You Must Commit To It. When we use words like “reinventing,” we are not talking about small changes. We’re talking about dramatic changes. A partial commitment won’t do. These types of changes require a real commitment. Much like shaving your head, there is no interim position. Once you get started, you have to commit to it.

Don’t Be Afraid Of It. Reinventing your business requires a true commitment to change. If you have ever read any of my books, you’ll know I’m well aware of the power that “fear of change” has over all of us. When we consider reinventing our businesses, or ourselves, we don’t do it because everything is working perfectly. We do it because we have fallen into a rut, or we are consumed with the thought of change. There’s a little voice in all of us whispering; “You think that change might make things better… but what if it makes things worse? Don’t do it.” You have to shut that voice down, and find the courage to make these kinds of changes. Much like shaving your head, it’s easy to mask your fear with various stall tactics. Avoid the negative thinking, and go for it.

Don’t Judge It Too Quickly. Reinvention doesn’t mean instant gratification. I don’t think I have ever met a person who was instantly satisfied with a dramatic change. It takes willpower to leave that reinvention alone for while, and give it a chance. Much like shaving your head, it’s almost impossible to instantly stop judging the changes you’ve made. See if you can avoid harping on all of the imperfections your reinvention has created, and give it some time.

Reinventing one’s business, or for me, one’s head, can be a daunting experience. A difficult comment from a friend or peer can shake you up a bit. However, if you commit to it, get past the fear of it, and avoid judging the success of it too quickly, things should work out fine. At least my bald head and I sure hope so.