Embracing Change with Grace

Nobody really likes to start over. It’s scary and uncomfortable. And so we stay stuck where we are – even if we don’t like it, because it seems easier than starting something new.

But starting over is inevitable. Our partner might break up with us or we get laid off, or our boss might shift us into a new role. In fact, each day is a new start, and we can choose how to spend that day. We can choose to do the same things and get the same results, or we can try something new and see where it takes us.

It’s time to embrace the new beginnings because either you change and grow in the way you want, or change with just happen to you and you’ll suddenly find yourself walking down a path you don’t want to go.Spring will be here shortly and it’s known as a time for renewal, for animals waking from their slumber, for the Earth to come alive again.??

Last weekend I went on a road trip to the University of Florida where my daughter has just been accepted. I’m excited for this fresh chapter in her life and what lies ahead for her. She will learn new things. She’ll have new experiences. And she’ll grow as a person.

Not only as a mother, but as someone who teaches personal branding, I have helped her figure out who she is, what her values and beliefs are. This has helped her create a roadmap so she can become the person she was meant to be.??

March is International Woman’s History Month where we can celebrate all the women for standing up for their rights, bettering themselves, and making the world a better place. People like Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat, people like Malala Yousafzai who was almost assassinated, and people like Oprah who works tirelessly, especially for African American women. But I would also like to recognize the people who go unnoticed, who do their work day in and day out.?

Shari Levitin, who helps Fortune 500 companies master virtual selling skills, her mother and grandmother have gone through adversity that, thankfully, most of us will never know. Shari’s mother’s earliest memory was when she was 4 years old and she was walking down the street in Nazi Germany when soldiers suddenly appeared on the street. She remembers her mother, Helene squeezing her hand terrified at what was happening in her homeland. Shari’s mother and grandmother managed to escape in the nick of time to the United States.?

If you don't know Shari, please follow her, she is someone I admire and respect, a strong woman indeed,

My daughter has been a benefactor of these types of women who have before her. Because of them, she has a strong vision of who she wants to be and where she wants to go. That’s why she’s willing to work hard and make the necessary changes to achieve the results she wants.

You also need a clear vision. Purpose-driven brands will always win over the long run. You have to stand up for what you believe in and who you are. When you’re price-driven, you don’t have to worry about recessions or other companies undercutting you. You will never have to worry about going out of business.

A company like Patagonia never has to worry about how much it sells an article of clothing for. Its customers will pay a premium because they know they are getting an article of clothing that is ethically sourced and durable. I’m proud every time I put on something from Patagonia because I know that I’m supporting a company that doesn’t value profits over people.

What is it that you offer to the world that is worth standing up for? There will always be people who offer what you do at a better price, more efficient manufacturing and probably even offer better service. To compete against these other companies, you need to ask yourself: What will you never compromise on, no matter what? Whatever that is, your target market will pay top dollar for. If you can convey what you value, then you will never have to negotiate on price ever again. Then it’s just a matter of getting the message out and finding your core people.

To do that, you need to know how to communicate clearly on social media and to listen to what your audience is saying to you. You need to interact with your audience– don’t make it a one-sided conversation.

While many people are quick to point out the shortcomings of social media, I would like to highlight how we can also unite under one cause. We all see what is happening in Ukraine and are appalled at the violence. However, on social media, we can see the world coming together to stand with the Ukrainian people and shout an end to war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has quickly become a social media powerhouse, using various platforms to offer messages of hope and goodwill to all of Ukraine. In dark times like these, it’s inspiring to see a leader stand up for what he believes in. I hope that you will use your own personal platform to post your own powerful messages about what matters to you. People are listening and your voice is important.

At the beginning of this newsletter, I spoke about how change is inevitable. I spoke about how change can be good. It can bring us new opportunities and a chance to grow and learn. But change isn’t always a good thing. I often think of the more than 500,000 Ukrainian refugees who have fled their homes, scared for their lives. For them, life has irrevocably changed. Even if they do manage to go home and rebuild their lives, nothing will ever be the same. If you can help them out, even in small ways, please do so. We really need to band together as humans to try and stop this atrocity from taking place.?

Before I sign off, last week I asked people to nominate a woman who made an impact on their life. I’d like to thank all the women who were nominated Emily L Kimika Logan Dalia Burack ,Nichole V, Stacy (Lanigan) Griffin?, Kolline Lee, Val Roskens Tews Felena Hanson Carmen Murphy Sarah Al Marashi follow these amazing ladies!

If you missed my last post, it’s not too late because as part of International Woman’s History Month, I’m going to highlight more women in my next newsletter. It can be a mother, a daughter, a friend, or any woman who positively impacted your life. It’s important to recognize the people who mean so much to us and a huge opportunity to thank them for all they have done.?tag them in the comments!

Lastly, I hope that you’ll also consider following me on Instagram and Tiktok for more branding tips and fun. Until next time.

Peace

Lorena Acosta