It’s fun to learn principles that can affect different aspects of our lives. Recently I heard a radio preacher say, "If you’re making progress, I guarantee that problems will follow."

Although the clergyman was referring to spiritual matters, his message applies on a secular level to every small-business owner whom I know. When your industry develops a new product or concept, you must quickly learn all about it so that you can become the ‘go-to’ person for your customers and prospects. In that sometimes difficult adventure, you inevitably struggle, fumble and frequently face frustration as you master the nuances of what you are learning. Fortunately, that hard work leads to insight and joy when the light finally does come on. Suddenly you’ve become a great resource to those who need your help and advice and a tremendous opportunity for growth is at your doorstep.

Progress leading to problems and then more progress.I am reminded of a ‘model’ I once learned known as the ‘Change Curve’ that delves into this concept. It can best be explained with an example. Imagine yourself trading in a trusty, rusty ten-year old Chevy with 150,000 plus miles and very few creature comforts. You know her every little quirk and can change the radio station or turn on the air conditioner without taking your eyes off the road.

You replace old ‘Betsy’ with a shiny new silver Lexus that practically gives you a back-rub while tooling down the Interstate. All is right with the world—until an unexpected thunderstorm comes up. You can’t see five feet in front of the hood. You’re not sure whether it’s safe to pull over to the side and can’t find the windshield wipers. You reach for a knob and inadvertently turn on the heater. The CD blasts at you and you can’t find the volume control. 

Blood pressure rising and totally exasperated, you scream to no one, "I want my beat up old Chevy back and I want it right now!"

Fortunately, you search around for another moment and find the wiper switch, volume control and AC button. Calming down, you realize, "Okay, this wonderful new Lexus ‘is’ better than my old Chevy. That old friend served me well but her day has come and gone. It’s now time for me to learn everything I can about my luxurious new wheels and move on with my life."

The message?

Welcome the challenge of the new and (hopefully) better. The process of learning ‘it’ (whatever ‘it’ might be) is part of the fun. Welcome the problems. Once you conquer them, you’ll have been down a road that you can smooth out for your potential customers. In so doing, you will become the provider of choice for the product or service that you’re selling.

The progress will have been well worth the problems.

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