Embracing Change: The Inevitable and Constant Path to Success

I was recently reading an article about “Change” and the following statement has since remained with me, front and center…

For change to succeed, you need to step back from doing and engage people in thinking, exploring and creating change together. You may encounter friction. Resistance can stem from comfort with the status quo, lack of perceived value of the change, lack of information about the effort, tradition…there are a number of reasons to resist change.

It really got me thinking about change — and acceptance, resistance, reluctance of change. It prompted me to recall two articles I had written last year that had generated a number of comments, interaction, as well as questions — all about change. Is it safe to say, there’s an obsession with change or is it a fear of change?

Today, I’m sharing those two articles: “Change is Inevitable. Change is Constant.” and “Change is Necessary!”

Change is Inevitable. Change is Constant.

“This is a formative time for you in which you realize that the conventional ways of doing things aren’t working anymore. Spread the word.” This statement was part of my horoscope this morning. Yes, I do read my horoscope daily albeit I do so only because it makes me think. I find it enjoyable, unlike the news of the day. And sometimes it has me asking myself ‘what if’ questions, especially if today’s horoscope would be something I wish would be true.

Possibly you may not be superstitious. Yet, you think twice about a black cat crossing your path. Or you may cringe if you break a mirror. And certainly, you’ll walk around a ladder instead of walking under it. You may not be superstitious but you may think, why take a chance in creating bad luck for myself when I can easily avoid a situation?

I have similar thoughts when reading my horoscope. If it states that something great will happen if I close a deal today, sure I’ll see if I can make that come true. As well, if the message is to avoid something that day, I’ll most likely heed that advice. More so, I do love things that get me thinking as thought spur creativity and innovation. At times it enables me to see things in a different light, outside the box, if you will.

Today my horoscope has reinforced my thoughts about the strategy and action plans necessary from which to move from pandemic-related challenges as well as from shifts in the way business had been conducted before the pandemic. Essentially, many of the conventional ways of doing things aren’t working anymore. Yes, changes are necessary not only to survive, but also to thrive.

“Change is inevitable. Change is constant.” Benjamin Disraeli

Through the pandemic, change had been looked at as the New Normal. Before we dive into how the New Normal had quickly become the norm, I’d like to spur some thought regarding change with two questions:

How are you currently handling change? How will you handle change moving forward?

Maybe if we take look at the definition of change, it may help better understand change:

change (verb) — 1. make (someone or something) different; alter or modify. 2. replace (something) with something else, especially something of the same kind that is newer or better; substitute one thing for (another).

Change, has changed!

In the past, business leaders predicted threats and planned responses with a risk-management strategy. Today, however, the nature of risk itself is different… It’s right upon us, and repeatedly at that! Change, in and of itself has changed. Instead of a single occurrence, change has become a fluid, recurring event. As such, change has become constant.

Changes being implemented today to survive will continue to be necessary through recovery and beyond. Most likely, repeated change will be key to future success as customers and clients will become accustomed to changes and look for them to continue. This will be the case even if it means changes are to run alongside what was once viewed as standard operations.

For example, think about the focus over the past two years on take-out & delivery in the restaurant industry. Customers are now expecting these welcomed additions to continue long after standard operations have resumed. So, what was described as the New Normal is now normal.

Actually, these additions to the business model have helped many businesses to recover faster, going from surviving to thriving as processes have been perfected and improvements have been made along the way. On the flip side, businesses that had considered the shift as a temporary solution for the times, have either continued to struggle, or have already closed their doors.

A proactive approach to change is key.

As businesses continue to face, seemingly one challenge after another, many have settled into a perpetual survival mode. Unfortunately, that will hurt more in the long run than the very challenges believed to be the sole reason for diminishing sales & profits.

Are these businesses just putting off the inevitable by essentially having become complacent and numb to recurring challenges? Most likely, yes. But it’s not too late to act in a proactive manner. Adjusting to challenges, offsetting or making drastic changes is the right strategy — one that is more inclined to work than just reacting. Often, just reacting is often too late.

Business owners must [always] be thinking about the next steps in addressing challenges, lest they fall short and lose the war (long-term survival) despite winning battles (short-term survival) along the way. In a world of constant change, non-adaptive behavior is inevitably a kiss of death for many businesses. Quite frankly, I’m very tired of the funerals!

Change is Necessary!

Of course, if you win the $1,000,000,000 Mega Millions drawing tonight, you’ll be quick to map out significant changes for your new life.

But what about necessary changes for your life without luck and fortune? I believe we refer to that as everyday life. The norm, if you will.

It’s interesting that most people plan more for a vacation than for their future. Yet, proper planning for the future could enable you to have multiple vacations each year.

But something has to change from the normal course of business, career, life. You can’t just keep doing the same things over and over again and expect different results. That’s referred to as insanity.

Change allows us to move forward in life and experience new and exciting things. When you don’t actively work on evolving yourself, life can become stagnant. For instance, learning new skills or working on your inner self can bring about changes you never knew were possible.

Why is change necessary in life?

Change ensures that bad situations end. So long as you embrace change, you will find that your situation does not have to last forever and you will progress on to something bigger and better. If you reject change, experiences and opportunities in your career are likely to pass you by.

Is change necessary for growth?

Change is inevitable. There is comfort in predictability, but the truth is, without change, there is no growth. Without change you will keep making the same mistakes.

What is the purpose of change?

To evolve is to change. You may believe that you are subject to change; that things are outside of your control (determinism). Alternatively, you may believe that you create change; that you are the master of your actions (free will).

Why must we embrace change?

Change pushes you to become a more evolved person. You learn how to adapt to new circumstances, think of unique approaches and work to accept yourself. These adventures come together to promote personal growth.

Why is change hard, but necessary?

Evolving takes courage. And we must use this courage to keep surviving and feeling good about our choices in life. We are adaptable creatures.

What stops us from changing?

Fear of discomfort, pain or effort all stop us from changing. These fears prevent us from exercising, as it may hurt, from eating healthy, from changing career or starting our own business, from embarking on a new relationship, or leaving behind an old or negative one.

What are the 3 elements of change?

Author Dallas Willard tells us that successful change takes three elements: vision, method, and will.

• Vision. Successful change hinges on a picture of a desirable future.
• Method. Once you have a vision, the next thing you need is a method.
• Will. The last item is intention or will.

Why is everyone afraid of change?

Confusion. People fear change if they don’t understand the reason for it — and then they resist it. Change causes uncertainty and means pushing people out of their comfort zones. However much we might complain about them, it’s our ‘routines’ that make us feel secure.

Let’s recap…

Change is necessary.

Change must be planned.

Change must be ignited.

Change must be faced.

Change must be embraced.

Change must not be feared.

Change must not be ignored.

Change is an investment.

Change is inevitable.

Change is constant.

Change is good.

Change is necessary.

Resources & Support

The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important. So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to me for assistance or even if you just need someone to talk to. Please do not hesitate.

You can reach me on LinkedIn, by email at Paul@Acceler8Success.com, and by phone or text at (832) 797–9851. Learn more about Acceler8Success Group at Acceler8Success.com and at Entrepreneurship411.com.

Make it a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!