Change

Happy Friday!?

Welcome to this edition of “Change” (#263).?

Many of my colleagues, including myself, are going through significant changes at work. So, I thought of reflecting on it a bit more deeply.???

Change—the only constant in life—is almost always met with some intrinsic friction. This is true for nearly all living beings, from a plant moved from a nursery to your yard, to a pet moving to a new home, or us experiencing something different than usual. Our level of openness and willingness to embrace change determines the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving.?

When we were kids, we were told that it’s good to brush our teeth and take a daily shower. Most of us were too young to even understand the reasons but followed it anyway. We simply began something new because we were told it's good for us, without fully understanding why. Most of us started using tools like PPT or Excel simply because we were told they were useful, without ever fully understanding all the features. Initially, we might resist, but eventually, it becomes second nature. We may not have fully grasped the benefits at the start, but we reap them, nonetheless.?

As we grow older, through education and empirical evidence, we learn about things that benefit us and prepare ourselves to bring them into our lives, like exercising regularly or making better dietary choices. We often embark on these new initiatives with enthusiasm and strong convictions. However, maintaining that initial momentum requires commitment and discipline, and many drift away. In a corporate setting, this could be implementing a new software system or learning new skills like AI. While the long-term advantages are clear, pursuing them with consistency is essential for success. Drifting from the plan can diminish the intended impact.?

Whether it’s college, job, or the city where you live, sometimes change is thrust upon us, outside of our control. Just because we didn't choose it doesn't automatically make it negative. It takes courage and an open mind to even give it a try. Many pet owners, for example, were initially against the idea of getting a pet but later discovered the immense joy and companionship they provide. In the workplace, this might be a company-wide restructuring or a shift in strategic direction. While initially unsettling, these changes can present unexpected opportunities for growth and innovation if we approach them with a willingness to adapt.?

In closing, as Charles Darwin wisely said, "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change."???

I welcome you to share your perspective and approach to change.?

Stay safe, Stay healthy and Stay blessed.?Thank you and have a great weekend.