The Nature Of Change
Charles F. Kettering quoted once, “High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation.” We must ask your children every morning, “What do you hope to aim for today? What new things do you plan to learn and try today?”
I recently read this quote to my 13 year old by a former VP of Facebook, Chamath Palihapitiya, “I think we have created tools that are ripping apart the social fabric of how society works. The short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops we’ve created are destroying how society works. No civil discourse, no cooperation; misinformation, mis-truth. And it’s not an American problem – this is not about Russians ads. This is a global problem.”
Instead of understanding the message that I was intending to send about the harmful affects of social media, my son asked me, “Mom, why wouldn’t anyone want to stay VP of Facebook?”
That made me wonder. “Yes, why wouldn’t anyone want to stay VP of Facebook?” “What is the nature of change?” This is what I found after reading about change.
Ways Change Comes Into Our Lives
- You’re simply not OK with status quo and you want out.
- You’ve redefined what success means to you.
- Your sense of personal fulfillment has changed.
- Your ideas of making an impact have evolved.
- The reality of your circumstances have changed. Ex: You became a father.
- Your priorities have changed.
- Your short term goals and your long term aspirations have changed.
- New opportunities have opened up that give you a chance for larger impact.
- You’ve new insights as you grow yourself each day and want to put them into use.
- You’ve acquired new skills that want to be put into use.
- Your current job feels irrelevant to your new personal ambitions.
Things That Are Out Of Our Control
- Unforeseen adversity at work or sudden personal health crisis.
- The ecosystem that you’re part of as a team member is changing, leaving you with no choice but to seek out other opportunities.
- The company you work for has adopted a new vision that doesn’t match your personal philosophy.
Reframing Change
People even at the highest offices of government after a certain time have to leave office to retire. In 2016, Obama stepped down to make way for Trump. Some day, it’ll be Trump’s turn. That’s one of the fabrics of the Democratic society we live in.
Whichever way you want to look at it, every change brings with it an opportunity. If the change is favorable to our expectations, it brings abundance and prosperity. If the change is adversity, it brings an opportunity to learn a lesson.
Personal Growth Factor
Irrespective of what the reason for change, one thing is certain. We seek change when we’re no longer fulfilled with status quo. We seek change when our ecosystem feels irrelevant to our burgeoning desires. We seek change when we ask ourselves a very important question. “Is my personal growth factor on an upward incline? Or has it plateaued?”
I’ve lived as a struggling writer for one year now. Last year, I began asking myself, “Do I passively move up the ladder when opportunity knocks? Or should I do what I love and create opportunity?”
It was time for my change, because my personal reality had changed. I have found out that through my writing I had something unique and of value to give to the world.
So, I left a great job with a 6 figure salary as a Big data scientist. Along with it, I said goodbye to a 13 year career in the Information technology field.
And, I became a story teller.
Adaptability In Our Instincts
Change encourages adaptability, our most important survival instinct. At the end of every evening, follow up with your children by sharing what you’ve learnt and what you’ve failed at that day. It can be any problem, at work or life, that you’re trying to find a solution to. Ask them, “What has been your personal growth factor like today?”
Recommended Resources
Learn the lesson of a lifetime in 10 minutes: Make an Impact by Rick Rigsby
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About The Article Author:
Hi, I’m Rachana. Its been my dream for years to do something to consciously create a better future where every one of us is excited about our own potential. My challenge to everyone is that they aspire for their personal best and leave a legacy of their work through their contributions to mankind.
One more thing. In December of 2044, I hope to win the Nobel.
Will you join me on this journey of growth and transformation?
Namasté.
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