If you're told, change is hard, ask why!

In the eyes of many, change is hard, difficult and often intimidating. These feelings baffle me. Take for instance the photo above. When my wife and I purchased our property, we saw opportunity. The yard had unusable space with poorly designed landscaping and a utilitarian space that was too large and ineffective. Over time, we sculpted a serene space where we are able to relax, enjoy a fire, spend time outdoors with family and friends and make memories. Sure, the work was hard, but the change was not. Change was merely a mindset. Change was when and where I set goals, objectives, expectations and finally defined the terms of the project.

Change requires tools and a desire to make a difference. I wear a pin at work sometimes and it reminds me and others about change and its impact. The button has the following inscription on it: That's the way we have always done it.

I've stated that change is not hard. Does that mean that I throw away old methods, processes, or models? No, in most instances, I leverage those old methods because they have a proven success, are results oriented or have been attached to sound business practices. What I do is define a decision to use a proven model with a premise that our IT projects exist within change. Because of that mindset, we create and adapt systems of data integration and interoperability adhering to proven practices.

My team and I focus on the end result, as we embed our project manager and analysts into other departmental meetings. Together, we have built a structure that focuses on the advantages of change. From an information technology perspective, we build a structure - a back yard for instance. As we move to the next level, we assess the current structure, design a plan, remove the bad parts, implement revisions and then advance with precision.

It is that precision that allows my team to build solutions. Our process includes working with others, managing each project and adjusting to change. Change comes throughout all projects, but change does not define the project. Change makes the project better.

As seen throughout these photos, I took a single and highly underutilized deck and turned it into a full-function, multi-level, hard and soft space incorporating beauty and personality.

If I had chosen to think, change is too hard, I would not have created the serenity my wife and I enjoy on a daily basis. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, by focusing your energy on the end result and adapting as needed. Change is not hard!