(TEST) All Things Inspired

If you don't change your direction, you may end up where you are going!

Why do we, by nature, resist change? Is it fear of something new or unfamiliar? Or are we just content within our existing environment? The reality for all of us is that we just don't know much about what is ahead for us! When adversity comes upon us, we face the possibility of change. Becoming adaptable is how one can adjust to changes in the environment.

Change, by definition, is to transform or convert. It is to become different, altered or modified. The first step in change is the awareness of its need. The next step is accepting that change must take place in our life. That is where change becomes the door to transformational growth. If we don't accept that the only thing in life that is constant is change, then we are destined for a mediocre existence. In other words, as ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, "If you do not change the direction, you may end up where you are going."

In this two-week topic on welcoming change, we'll start with why change is important for personal growth and success. And next week we'll wrap up the session by addressing why you might be struggling with change.

As former President John F. Kennedy said, "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." We must not see change as a threat to our understanding of normalcy, but as an opportunity for growth and pursuit of a better life experience ahead for us.

The rate at which our world is changing and developing makes it ever so important to become adaptable to change. Change has always existed through time. What is different today is the speed at which we see change in innovations and technologies happening. With each year that passes, growth and change happen exponentially. This can create anxiety for some, while others who are easily adapting to change are experiencing greater rates of personal growth.

Understanding why change and adaptation to change is important will help you begin the process of embracing change. While it's not easy for most, it is something everyone can learn with time. Let's start by considering these points...

Workplace value - the more adaptable you are in your career or job; the more opportunities will come your way.
Survival - being adaptable to change helps you survive in a competitive world.
Leadership - if you develop the ability to adapt to change, can you in turn lead others to adapt to change as well?
Change can be exciting - with the proper mindset, change can be an exciting adventure into new worlds you never knew could exist for you. As they say, success is a journey not a destination!
Compete in life and win - there are numerous benefits to winning in life. Satisfaction, happiness, and quality relationships are just a few.
Bounce back ability - you may not be old enough to remember back when a popular toy sold in the marketplace was an inflatable oblong shaped cylinder about three or four feet tall, decorated with different characters and weighted in the bottom that was used as a punching bag for kids to learn boxing or just have fun punching it. You would hit the toy and knock it down, but because of the weighted bottom, it would bounce right back up. If you develop adaptability to change, you can metaphorically bounce back up (like this toy) when life knocks you down.
Builds resilience - we know that change is the only constant in life, so having the ability to change prepares you for future changes down the road.

We all know that without change, things stay the same and ultimately will stagnate and die. Change causes fear and discomfort, however, it's much easier to embrace change than to fight it. Don't forget that change is opportunity. Change is exciting and forces you to move!

In closing this week, when the thought of change creates resistance within you, remember the serenity prayer...

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Be inspired! Inspire others!