The Sunday Stoic: On Change

Nothing remains the same; all must change.?The inevitability of change is assured as the seasonal shift of leaves from green to a vibrant rainbow of red, orange, and yellow. Our society is divided into two groups - those content with maintaining the status quo and those who see themselves as change catalysts. This dichotomy has existed for centuries. Ancient philosophers like Heraclitus (6th century BC) and later Stoics like Seneca (6 BC - 45 AD) discussed the concept of impermanence and how change is an inseparable part of life. This essay will delve into the idea of change and its impact on personal growth.

Change is inescapable.?It is daunting to realize that everything we cherish, including our relationships, achievements, and beliefs, will eventually fade into the fog of history. Monuments built to last forever will ultimately crumble. In this context, a life without purpose or productivity is meaningless and will be quickly forgotten. Thus, to leave a firm footprint in the ever-changing sands of time, we must create something unique and valuable for others. To do so, the words of Seneca, "Let us not waste time; let us balance life's ledger each day," serve as a reminder to contemplate the lessons of the day and not to shy away from making a change. When we make a change today, we rebalance our tomorrow.?

Change drives progress.?If we look at the past 20 years, we can see that the average human lifespan has increased by an entire decade, the internet has connected people across the world, and the average income has doubled in many parts of the planet. Much of this was accomplished by embracing change and breaking away from the status quo. Much of this was unimaginable at the dawn of the 21st century. But, eventually, all transformation around us is less about disruption and more about development. Seneca remarked, "What is harder than a rock? What is softer than water? Yet hard rocks are hollowed out by soft water." In other words, change is gradual in the short term but consequential in the long term.?

Change must be managed.?When a large group of people or organizations are working together, it's essential to have a sound system for managing change. Seneca's words, "Those who do not reflect on the past, ignore the present, and fear the future will live in constant anxiety," emphasize the importance of accepting change and planning for the future. One way to do this is by preparing for possible changes, encouraging communication, and ensuring everyone works together. By not being afraid of change, this risk-management approach helps the group effectively handle changes and turn them into opportunities for growth. For example, let's take a look at online shopping. Companies that embraced the shift in customer preferences and adapted quickly could stay successful. However, companies that stuck with their old ways soon lost customers. In the end, the customers, like everything else, changed and opened new growth areas.

Change has been a topic of contemplation.?For instance, in Buddhism, the idea of "Anicca" - that all things are constantly changing and nothing remains permanent - is one of the Three Universal Truths. Furthermore, the Indic philosopher Patanjali, who lived in the 3rd century AD and wrote about yoga, stressed that everything, including our physical bodies, is constantly changing. In many myths and stories passed down through generations, a hero embarks on an adventure and comes back changed and transformed.?

In conclusion, the Stoics see change as a path to growth. They accept the cyclical nature of life, recognizing that change is inevitable. In a few weeks, spring will be a perfect example, with its arrival after a harsh winter, it will bring new growth and remind us that change is the only constant. Let the budding trees symbolize recovery and a chance for a brighter future. Embrace change and embrace the possibilities it holds for us.

The views expressed in this essay are my own and do not represent the views of any individuals, employers, or organizations I may be affiliated with. While I am not an expert in Stoicism, in my personal time, I find value in reading and writing about it for personal growth and self-reflection. If you have any thoughts on combining Stoicism and leadership, I welcome your input via LinkedIn messaging. And if you found this essay helpful, please share it on your LinkedIn profile to raise awareness about Stoicism.