Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater!!! 😱

Sometimes, the biggest insights you'll gain in life and business come from things that others point out, which are right in front of you. The magic lies in the fact that these individuals often bring unique experiences to the table, allowing you to see what you couldn't when you were solely focused on it.

What's up, everybody? This is Drew, and I want to welcome you back to "Learn How to See Better." It's the only podcast out there that will improve your vision the longer you listen. In today’s episode, I want to discuss a recent realization I had, sparked by an unexpected experience. Sometimes, you wonder if certain thoughts you have indicate that you’re getting older.

This ties into the classic phrase that everyone, of any age, has heard at some point: "Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater." As you hear it, take it at its literal face value. I don’t even want to envision an AI image for that; it might look pretty grim. The idea of someone throwing a baby out with the bathwater is unthinkable. But what does it actually mean? It’s a figure of speech we all understand. If you've ever had an experience that makes you feel this phrase differently, you realize how it can take on a whole new meaning.

Case in point: I recently got together with other business owners. We were discussing various strategies to help our businesses grow—essentially masterminding with fellow entrepreneurs. I shared my experiences about making some adjustments and enhancements, transitioning away from certain practices toward what I believed to be better and more impactful opportunities.

As I talked about this, I wasn’t bashing what had worked well in the past. I acknowledged that things have changed and aimed to put a new twist on things to achieve different results. I shared my service offerings and the value I add through done-for-you services for business owners.

During this discussion, someone pointed out something I hadn’t recognized: the very aspect that allowed my business to reach maturity—what I was thinking of leaving behind—was not only still worthwhile but also in high demand. Just think about it for a moment. Even if you're not a business owner, how many times have you wished for something to be done for you? We all have responsibilities, whether it's doing dishes, laundry, or managing tasks related to our primary professions, like submitting expense reports or activity reports to our bosses.

The same goes for business owners. They wear many hats and juggle various responsibilities. Some tasks they must handle themselves, while others can be delegated or outsourced. Ultimately, a business owner needs to focus on what brings the most value. If one of the key offerings that has provided immense value to your audience suddenly gets abandoned or transitioned away from too quickly, you risk alienating those who are most loyal to you.

You might be going a bit deep with this, but every business is different. Ideally, unless you’re running a purely transactional business, you should seek some sort of relationship with your customer base. Every business claims to have an ideal customer. How can you turn that ideal customer into your most excited, raving fan?

This realization is a reminder that the foundation of value you provide should not be abandoned as you transition or reinvent yourself. As you approach change, it’s not only about willpower and enthusiasm; strategy plays a significant role. If you’re thinking of burning everything down, as the saying goes, consider what assets make sense to keep intact. Perhaps it’s your personality, your ability to overdeliver, or your talent for listening to what your clients really need.

If you abandon these qualities and opt for an automated call service that only collects names, emails, and phone numbers—without any real connection to the caller—you're missing out on crucial opportunities to serve your customers better. These examples illustrate the differentiating factors in how you expand your business.

If you're trying to serve people and want to reach a larger audience, it doesn’t mean you should disregard the faithful few who helped you get started. This aha moment has the potential to resonate with someone else out there. If you own a business and are contemplating a major transition, consider this perspective. You might be ready to burn everything down, but remember that you may have powerful assets that just need to be dusted off, repackaged, and presented more effectively.

As I look to evolve my business, the idea of burning it all down sounds appealing. However, certain elements should remain intact—especially if your unique value proposition is rooted in who you are and how you operate. You’re not going to burn yourself down; you’re looking to reinvent yourself.

It’s essential to think strategically, sometimes with the help of a coach, advisor, or mentor, to navigate these murky waters. It’s incredibly valuable and gives me direction as I continue this process. How can I take something that has served me well and channel its energy in a new direction without losing the goodness?

For those of you going through a similar shift—perhaps reinventing yourself in your professional career or adapting to new responsibilities—remember not to forget your foundational skill sets. Your essence remains crucial, even if you have to adjust how you operate in a new environment.

In essence, there’s a lot of symbolic meaning in the phrase, "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater." You might not want to keep the bathwater; it’s time to wash off the old. But that brand-new baby has so much potential and value. Don’t confuse the two and discard everything. Keep the good, let go of the bad, and embrace the newness of being reshaped and remolded while retaining your core identity.

So, that’s my big takeaway for this episode. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Reflect on what you’re doing, where you’re going, and how you’re getting there. It might be worthwhile to run your game plan by someone with extensive experience in the field to check your flight plan and coordinates. Are you flying into a storm, or are you leaving behind sunny skies that you could enjoy a bit longer as you prepare for the journey ahead?

Perhaps you should let that storm of uncertainty pass while you bask in the sunshine, plotting your path so you can clearly see the destination you’re aiming for.

That’s what I have for you in this episode, folks. This is your host, Drew Davis. Remember, "Learn How to See Better" is the only podcast out there that improves your vision the more you listen. Until next time, be sure to share this with a friend and take note of the points I’ve shared. Put them into action. Take care, and thanks for listening. Catch you on the next one!