As small business owners, we know that change is our constant companion. Whether we’re setting new goals or refining our strategies, embracing change is essential for both personal and professional growth.

One concept that beautifully captures what we experience through any period of transition is called the Emotional Cycle of Change. When I first learned about it, I found myself nodding at each stage, amazed at how precisely it reflects what we all go through with every new endeavor.

By understanding these stages, you’ll be better equipped to anticipate what’s ahead, manage your mindset, and move through change with more clarity and confidence.

Stage 1: Uninformed Optimism

Think about the excitement that bubbles up when you start something new. You’re full of energy, eager to take on the challenge, and every possibility feels within reach. At this stage, your focus is on the potential benefits, not yet on the effort it will take to get there.

Stage 2: Informed Pessimism

As you dig deeper, the full scope of the work ahead becomes clear. The excitement begins to fade a bit as challenges surface. It’s normal to feel uncertainty or frustration here — you’re simply seeing the reality of what it takes to bring your vision to life.

Stage 3: The Valley of Despair

This is the hardest point — the one where many people consider giving up. The obstacles seem larger, doubts grow louder, and progress feels far away. But this stage is also the most critical. Pushing through the valley is what separates a fleeting idea from lasting success.

Stage 4: Informed Optimism

Once you persevere, something powerful happens. You gain new insight, better tools, and the confidence that comes from experience. You see your progress clearly, and the challenges no longer feel insurmountable. This is where determination and preparation meet — and momentum starts to build again.

Stage 5: Success and Fulfillment

You’ve made it. The vision you once imagined has become reality. This stage is all about celebration, reflection, and gratitude — acknowledging not only the outcome but also the resilience it took to get there.

When you look back, you realize that every dip and detour was part of the growth.

Change, after all, is not the enemy of stability. It’s the heartbeat of progress. The more we understand it, the more we can harness it — for our businesses, our goals, and ourselves.

If you’d like to explore how to navigate change with greater clarity, support, and community, take a look at GoalMinds, my small business mastermind group designed to help entrepreneurs grow with purpose and momentum. Learn more here.