Embrace Change
“Life will never be the same. Life is changing.” This statement is more true today than ever. Profound changes are indeed taking place in our world today, and these changes are occurring at rapidly increasing rates. Furthermore, the changes are affecting virtually every aspect of our lives, unlike ever before.
We need not look far to see change happening. If you live in the U.S., our national leadership is undergoing huge change. Obviously, people throughout the world have been impacted by the global pandemic. Technology continues to change, and – in this current season – the very way in which we live our lives has been altered.
Change is inevitable. The idea that “the only constant is change” has been around at least since the time of Heracleitus, circa 500 B.C. The only questions that remain are “how much?” and “how fast?”
If we are changing, and the world is changing, then why do we resist it? Why is change so difficult, even when seemingly everything in the world is changing around us?
The idea of having to change ourselves is uncomfortable. Reactions to the notion of change range from uncertainty and doubt, to blinding fear. As these feelings emerge, we retreat back to our comfort zone of safety and security. These feelings can render us powerless around the needs to make certain decisions, which causes us to remain as we are.
But change is essential, as it is the only way for growth and improvement to occur. This is true in our world, and in our personal lives. As Albert Einstein observed, “The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.” Although not all change is improvement, without change there can simply be no improvement.
So, how can you ease the process of change? How do you begin to embrace and create change in your life that will empower you, and cause you to grow? Here are a few steps that will move you along that path:
1. Realize there’s no security in the status quo. The sense of security that we get from remaining in our comfort zone is a false one. The fact of the matter is, when you’re done changing, you’re effectively done living. It is only by going outside your comfort zone that you can achieve significant breakthroughs in your life.
2. Become a change catalyst. Be proactive in aligning yourself with the change agents in our world—technology, science and education. Create an action plan for the opportunities in your life. Notice the outcomes, and analyze your results. In addition to the changes that will begin to occur in your own life, you will become a leader for others, as well.
3. Be patient. The process of change happens slowly and subtly over time. This sometimes presents a challenge for those of us who are used to instant results. Recognize, though, that change consists of a series of small steps, each of which moves you closer to your desired outcome.
4. Adapt, as necessary. In times of drastic change, it is the adapters who prevail. Although you cannot change the direction of the wind, you can certainly change the direction of your sails. Stay the course, and let it move you in the direction of your destination.
As 2020 has shown, change is going to happen, whether we want it to or not. Make the choice to “go with the flow.” And, when you emerge on the other side of change, you will have grown from the experience!
