BETTER Normal > new normal

I am not sure if this article is for you but if you are willing to give it a chance, then there is always a chance for positive outcomes. The only thing consistent in this world is that nothing will stay consistent. If there was ever was a more profound example of that statement, then it is the right here and the right now. From this change comes a huge question. What are you going to do with the opportunity to change in the midst of a perceived chaos?

Before you make up your mind about changing, let’s continue the conversation. Almost everywhere you look there is commentary about a new normal after the change. A new normal feels like a missed opportunity. It seems like we are settling for just another normal on the other side. While we are dealing with the change, the chaos and opportunities, we should seek to create a BETTER NORMAL.  A BETTER NORMAL greater than a new normal. Better than “what” you may ask? Let’s simply start with better than yesterday. Let’s simply start with loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Just one more thing. For many this opportunity presents challenges as to what to do? Or how can I change? The better question to begin with is to ask why you are going to change. What is foundation in which change in you should occur? Where do you begin?

Let’s talk about a three-step approach to go down this path. There are a number of questions that need to be asked and answered. My recommendation is don’t travel alone. Alignments make the journey so much better.

Just out of curiosity, are you ready? Then let’s start the asking the hard questions.

Identify

·      Why do you want to change?

·      Why do you think the way you think?

·      Why are your expectations different for others?

Investigate

·      How will you change?

·      How are you perceiving things?

·      How do you judge a situation?

·      How do you judge people?

·      How is your surroundings influencing your perceptions?

Initiate

·      What will you do to change?

·      What can you do to support others?

·      What will you do when things don’t go like expected?

The path is yours to take. It will not be easy, and it will take time. You have two options: do nothing and let the environment, circumstances change you OR you can make a choice and take action to be the one that positively influences the environment and circumstances.

Do we want to change to a new normal or a BETTER NORMAL? The change is within us to make happen. It is waiting for us to Identify it, Investigate it and then Initiate it.

Many years ago, the answer to a BETTER NORMAL was provided in a simple and succinct two-part statement. In Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus shared his commandment to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and mind. The first is the greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

And who is your neighbor? Jesus replies to the earnest lawyer that asks this question with a story about a man left for dead. The neighbor is anyone in need of our mercy. And we are all in need of each other’s mercy.

The Gary Gregory is committed to Speaking Life to Success. The Principles of becoming Better than Normal are contained in The SUPERFANTASTIC Principles.