Change - A Positive Perspective

Change must come into our lives and the sooner we accept this reality, the sooner we will adjust and begin to move forward with our lives. It is not something to be feared; rather it is to be embraced.

Far from simply upsetting our canoe change tumbles us into the water so that we forcibly learn to swim and when we discover that we can swim what a wonderful experience it is for us!

Change takes us into the unknown where we might have been reluctant to venture, but where we find opportunities which, when seized, will enrich our lives. It opens our mind to broader horizons.

We allow ourselves to become comfortable in certain situations – a home, a location, a relationship, a marriage, a job - Whatever the situation it may not necessarily be that we are happy with it. In fact, it may be that we simply become complacent or resigned to what appears to be our fate.

To change might mean that we must part with familiar faces, let go of cherished things, move away from what we know well to start learning all over again be it a job, a bus route, a neighborhood. Change then may represent a threat to our organized and predictable existence.

God created an entire universe for mankind to explore, yet some people live their entire lives in the same little square of earth. True, some are hindered by poverty or other misfortunes, but for many, it is fear of change which keeps them from enjoying life’s many blessings. Ironically, resistance to change comes from those who need change most. Their resistance comes from feelings of insecurity, lack of confidence and low self esteem.

Why does a battered woman remain in an abusive relationship when it is obvious that things won’t get better? For a roof over her head? For food on the table? For security for her children? Because she is not good enough to be loved by anyone else? Or could it simply be that she fears to take the bold step which will liberate her; which will bring about necessary change?

People become trapped in situations which are far from what they had dreamt for in life. The past is gone; the present is on its way out, but there is always hope in the future and improved conditions will only come to those who open the doors to change. Don't be trapped in the mindset of those who resist change out of fear of the unknown”.

Change can bring many benefits in life. It may place you in a situation where you are given more opportunities to develop yourself spiritually, personally as well as professionally. Of course, these situations may be presented at first, as challenges. However, the more impossible the challenge appears to be, the richer the reward which comes at the end. It would be wise to see in every challenge an opportunity to achieve something which would not, under normal circumstances, have been achieved. As the saying goes, “when life hands you lemons you make lemonade”- delicious lemonade! Change provides rich learning experiences.

Professionally, as in anything else you need to grow. Stagnation in your professional life is a key reason for disenchantment, boredom and decreased productivity. When you remain in the same position in the same job for so long that you lose enthusiasm, then you must recognize that it is time to move on. If upward mobility is not possible within the same job/organization then every effort must be made to find alternative employment.

Every new job brings its own share of challenges, but also offers new learning experiences and new sources of fulfillment. Job change/ career change can give life a new flavor and more positive direction.

Everyone needs to experience job satisfaction. Remuneration must be good and working conditions must be favorable; however, also important is the need to feel that you are making a difference. You must be able to feel that you are contributing to productivity and playing a part, no matter how small, in the development of the organization and the lives of the clients whom you serve. If that feeling is absent then there is certainly little fulfillment, hence, every need for change.

Clearly, change does not come without sacrifice; however, positive change is well worth the sacrifice.

Let us look at this scenario: Your job is close to home and you are quite comfortable except that your job is a dead end. There is no scope for upward mobility, increases in salary, new challenges/opportunities or the like. Your knowledge and skills are underutilized and really you are simply going through the motions. You feel the need for change so you take up a new job in the city. This involves commuting daily and the related expenses. You need to leave home earlier and you get home later on evenings.

However, this new job opens new horizons for you. Finally, you are doing what you have been trained to do. Your morale gets a boost; you have new vigor and enthusiasm because you now feel that you are really making a difference. To top it off there is scope for promotion and the corresponding increments. This change is certainly well worth the sacrifice of waking early and commuting daily. You can feel the difference!

Tomorrow is promised to no man so we should not procrastinate about taking that bold step to bring about positive change in our lives.

We need to seize the opportunities as they come and if they do not appear to be coming we need to go out and look for them. Change is a necessary aspect of life and resisting it only limits us and causes us to deprive ourselves of opportunities of finding personal fulfillment. Rather than fearing change, we need to manage the changes which come into our lives.

Change heralds a new season in life!