Revisiting The Challenge of Change

Change is hard, change is never easy. The only thing constant of course is CHANGE.

Charles Kettering who was an American electrical engineer and manufacturer in the late 1900's said "The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress".

Goethe, the German poet and dramatist said "Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for change".

Given the insight of the ages, it is helpful to understand the steps involved in change. First step is problem recognition. Sometimes problems just arrive and hit us on the head. Other times, a nagging feeling gives us a sense of things to come.

The second thing to do when examining change is to identify the causes. What exactly caused this? Sometimes the cause is simple, other times a complex series of events created the change. The third step is going through the change. Change, when possible, is most often most comfortable when we implement it ourselves. Often case this is not what happens. Change happens then we change. Finally we need to evaluate the changes we have undertaken.

Change is a laboratory for self and organizational growth. Although we may fear it, it is best to embrace it and learn from it. Change is hard, change takes work but in the end we grow.

I originally wrote this article in the late 1990's and then posted this article on my Transition Your Life blog in October of 2007. Somethings are worth revisiting and contemplating for new lessons, insights and thoughts.

Transitions Through Your Life

Over the last few months, I been describing stages in the adult life. Here is a recap of the stages and links to the posts.


Transition Your Life - Adulthood
Transition Your Life - Early Adulthood
Transition Your Life - Middle Age
Transition Your Life - Golden Age
Transition Your Life - Senior Age
Transition Your Life - Elderhood

Stillness and Silence

We are always surrounded by noise. Even the quietest of spaces have noises. To quiet our minds we sometimes need to quiet our space. To begin the quiet process we need to sit still and just be.

While you are reading this on the screen you are likely hearing the hum of your computer's fan or having the din of some music you may be playing in the background. Perhaps you are wiggling on your chair, or handling some of the objects around your desk.

Try an exercise of stillness. It is unlikely to be easy, it is unlikely to be pure silence, but you may be able to do half of this exercise.

Silence and stillness usually bring us the freedom to begin inner retrospection.

You could try listening to a short nature sound the same one every day, for a week to see if it relaxes your mind and opens you up to new possibilities.

Here are a couple of suggestions:

Transition Your Life - Elderhood

This is the sixth and final in the series of posts on transition times. Let's visit the transition periods that often occur in Elder years (age 80 - 100+).

Transitioning to patriarch or matriarch of family
Transitioning to a retirement or assisted living community
Transitioning to having help or occasional assistance
Transitioning to grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Transitioning to loss of loved one and friends
Transitioning to evolving spiritual or religious beliefs
Transitioning to a new or chronic health condition
Transitioning to physical restrictions and limitations
Transitioning to changing relationships with your children (adult to elderly parent)
Transitioning to family historian
Transitioning to simpler lifestyle
Transitioning to fewer hobbies and interests


See also
Transition Your Life - Adulthood
Transition Your Life - Early Adulthood
Transition Your Life - Middle Age
Transition Your Life - Golden Age
Transition Your Life - Senior Age

Looking at Different

People can be very inventive. Some people have the natural ability to be outside of the box thinkers.

You may enjoy visiting this Museum of Unintended Use blog, developed by a Science Journalist who lives in the Netherlands.

What can you contribute?

The Journey

Today marks the official entry into my third year of blogging. I began in August of 2007 with the goal to "learn how to blog" and have a good time. My original first post was an introduction of my concept.

Blogging has been a delightful journey. Along the way I have been:

• Improving my technology skills
• Making new friends
• Finding out new ideas and concepts
• Learning that blogging is a great way to express one's very being

In addition to the above, I have taken a few courses and even given a presentation on the concept of blogging to my fellow non-fiction writer's group.

Last year, I also began a second blog Terry's Thinking. This is a blog that keeps you up to date on trends, thoughts and issues regarding productivity, organization and general business practices.

This being the start of my third year of blogging, I want to let you know I will continue to explore the in's and out's of change with you on an almost weekly basis. I will also take some time to help us enjoy the journey during transitions whether they are by choice or by chance.

P.S. I am also open to suggestions regarding content within the realm of the topic.

Stuck and Stagnant

Life sometimes pulls us into the dismal pond of stagnation.

Stagnation is painful, messy and like quicksand can suck us down into the depths of despair. Stagnation happens to everyone at some point or another. The pond is usually stinky and the time spent in it is not pleasant. Remember it won't be forever, although, it may seem like it at the time.


How can we get out of the pond of stagnation?


1. First, realize we are in the pond!

2. Take stock of the good things going on, despite the mess we are in.

3. Take the focus off ourselves and pay attention to the world for a while. We can do this by reading a book, researching something new, by walking and taking in the scenery.

4. Smile even though we may not want to. Our smiling disposition will likely bring more positive attention to us rather than the continuity in our negative state.

5. Seek out and utilize a variety of help and guidance. This may include reconnecting to our faith, trusted friends and even seeking out the help of professionals.

How have you handled stagnation?