026 - Change is not an event, but a process we practice everyday

Change is a fundamental part of life, an inherent element in the ebb and flow of existence.? Often, some of us perceive change as a dramatic event that pivots the trajectory of their lives.

"To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly." - Henri Bergson

However, upon closer scrutiny, it becomes apparent that change is not a discrete event, but a process we engage in every single day, inching forward subtly and incrementally.?

"The only constant in life is change." - Heraclitus

Change is like a river, constantly flowing and shifting its course. It is not a stagnant lake, but an ever-moving body of water that shapes and reshapes the landscape it traverses.

In the same way, our lives are characterised by the constant evolution of circumstances, thoughts, and feelings. We are works in progress, continuously being moulded by our experiences. ?

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

Every decision we make, no matter how trivial, is a step towards change. From the food we choose to eat to the people we decide to interact with, every action reflects a choice, a minute shift that collectively leads to larger transformations. This understanding is critical as it empowers individuals, highlighting that every day brings opportunities for transformation and growth.

"Nothing happens until something moves." - Albert Einstein

Change and Personal Growth

Personal growth is a clear illustration of how change is a daily process. Developing a new skill, overcoming a fear, or making a lifestyle change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey punctuated with small steps and minor victories, with setbacks and lessons learned. Every day, we practice and make progress, however small, and over time these tiny increments build up to substantial change. This process of learning, unlearning, and relearning is the essence of personal evolution.?

"True life is lived when tiny changes occur."?Leo Tolstoy

Moreover, the concept of change as a process fosters resilience. When change is perceived as a single event, failure or setbacks can be overwhelming, as we tend to tie our expectations to a single outcome. However, seeing change as a daily practice encourages a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as part of the process and opportunities for learning rather than roadblocks.

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." - Henry Ford

Change in a Societal Context

This perspective on change also holds weight in a broader societal context. Social changes, such as the fight for equality or environmental sustainability, are not won through singular, monumental events but through the steady, collective effort of individuals and communities. It is the small daily acts—conversations that challenge prejudice, lifestyle adjustments to reduce carbon footprints—that compound over time and lead to substantial societal transformation.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

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Change and the Future

As we navigate an ever-evolving world, adapting to changes has never been more crucial. Rapid technological advancements, shifts in global dynamics, and environmental changes all require us to engage in constant learning and adaptation.

"Without change, there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement." - William Pollard

When we begin to see change not as a looming event, but as an ongoing, daily process, we empower ourselves to better manage and influence these changes. We are not passive recipients of change but active participants, shaping our lives and societies one day at a time.

"Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end." - Robin Sharma

Indeed, change is not an event, but a process we practice every day. It is woven into the fabric of our daily lives, in the choices we make, the conversations we have, and the actions we take.

Recognizing this process offers a sense of agency and fosters resilience, allowing us to navigate life’s transitions with grace and positivity. By embracing change as a constant companion, we can harness its transformative power to learn, grow, and create a future that reflects our highest aspirations.?

"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." - Rumi

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Alrick?has been in the advertising industry for the last 27 years.?A CPA by trade, he is currently the COO of TBWA Singapore & Malaysia, and the Chief Pricing Officer for TBWA Asia.?Alrick has been part of the transformation team and operationalising those outcomes with the companies that he has worked for. His interest lies in incorporating technology into businesses, B2B pricing, and?coaching?and mentoring start-ups and troubled businesses.