Change is a peculiar word. We all want change, yet it is probably
our greatest fear. As we age, most of us learn that as much as we
want it, we don’t know what the results of that change will be. In
change, as in dreams, you must be careful what you wish for, as
things don’t always turn out the way you envision they would.
Each of us has shifted our initial position, only to get bruised in a new place.
You can start a conversation by asking someone what they would change
about anything, from themselves to how they are being taxed. Everyone
knows what they would like to change, but most of those beliefs are based
upon the outcome they perceive the change will have, and therein comes the
rub. The changes we want to make do not always result in our anticipated
consequence; and, at times, the only thing that changes is the change, while
everything else seems to remain the same. A new haircut, a new car, a move
to another city or country, a marriage, or a divorce are all changes – some for
the better, but on many occasions, some for the worse.
There seems to be no reliable way to predict change. Yet, behind every
revolution, there is a deep-seated feeling that change is necessary and will result
in improvement, or at least in a different outcome. We each have different
experiences that will resonate with this last statement. Yet, we continue to
seek change in ourselves, our family, our government, and in our world.
Unfortunately, we have little or no control over many of these changes,
which are not within our power to execute. However, when it comes
to many of the changes we wish to foster in ourselves, we are the only ones
who can make them.
We talk about change, but we are often unwilling to devote the energy,
time, or our other assets needed to complete the job. The term we most
often hear is, “I’ll try.” But trying is not good enough. In fact, it is almost
an admission that you are not really dedicated to achieving your goal. To
change, we must do better than try. We must have a goal that is specific,
measurable, attainable, and timely. A statement such as, “I’m going
to quit smoking within 30 days” is such a goal, as it is timely (30 days),
specific (quit smoking), and measurably attainable. The change should be
relatively easy, if you really want it. However, the twenty pounds of weight
you gain after you quit may make you reconsider your original goal. Such is
life.
Change may be the answer, or preserving the status quo may be the solution.
Either way, change is usually seen, whereas, we often overlook that which is
unchanged. The conundrum continues, as we observe that the only thing that
exists without change is change. Everything is new while everything remains
the same. What are you going to change?.
I’m not myself today and everybody has noticed the improvement 13