Why Is Personal Disruption So Hard?

As a strategic consultant, I have experienced both the excitement and the challenges of personal disruption multiple times throughout my career. Each transition, whether voluntary or due to unforeseen circumstances like layoffs, has brought its own set of hurdles. Despite the potential for growth and new opportunities, personal disruption remains a daunting task. Here are some reasons why it is so difficult and some strategies I have found helpful in navigating this complex process.

First, uncertainty is a significant barrier to personal disruption. When we step away from a familiar role or industry, we face the unknown. This uncertainty can be paralyzing, making it hard to take the first step. According to Whitney Johnson , a leading thinker on personal disruption, targeting a need that can be met more effectively in a new market can help mitigate this uncertainty. By identifying a niche where your unique skills can shine, you can create a new path that leverages your strengths and provides a clearer direction.

Second, discomfort plays a crucial role in our reluctance to disrupt. Disruption often requires us to leave our comfort zones and embrace new challenges. This discomfort can be overwhelming, especially when we are accustomed to a certain level of competence and success. Johnson suggests that stepping back or sideways in order to grow can be a powerful strategy. This means accepting that growth may initially be slow and that we may need to start at the bottom of a new ladder before we can climb to new heights.

Fear is another powerful factor that holds us back. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and fear of losing our identity can all contribute to our hesitation. However, embracing a flexible and adaptive approach can help counter these fears. Johnson emphasizes the importance of letting your strategy emerge, taking a step forward, gathering feedback, and adapting accordingly. This iterative process allows for adjustments and reduces the pressure to have everything figured out from the start.

To successfully navigate personal disruption, it can be helpful to look at the data. Research by Clayton Christensen and others on disruptive innovation highlights the importance of identifying disruptive strengths and using them to make innovative transitions. This involves recognizing what you do exceptionally well that others cannot and applying those strengths in new contexts. Additionally, the #S-curve model can help us understand the stages of disruption, from slow initial growth to rapid acceleration and eventual mastery. By recognizing these stages, we can better manage our expectations and stay motivated throughout the process.

Personal disruption is undeniably challenging due to factors like uncertainty, discomfort, and fear. However, by applying strategic principles and leveraging our unique strengths, we can navigate these challenges and create new opportunities for growth and success. Embracing personal disruption not only allows us to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world but also empowers us to craft a career that aligns more closely with our values and aspirations.

References:

Christensen, C.M. (2015). The innovator's dilemma: When new technologies cause great firms to fail. Harvard Business Review Press.

Johnson, W. (2020). Disrupt yourself: Master relentless change and speed up your learning curve. Harvard Business Review Press.