A true oxymoron is that “Change is a constant in life“. Despite the fact that most of us probably recognize this on some intuitive level, we can still spend an ordinate amount of time and energy trying to avoid the reality that change is happening and that we need to move with it. An outcome of this is that not only do we get trapped in old ways of thinking, we miss potential opportunities that might be right in front of us. In other words we are stuck: unable to find solutions; unable to move forward; and unable to discover new horizons.
Haw, one of the two little people, in Dr. Spencer Johnson’s seminal book “Who moved my Cheese?” has a series of insights throughout the book which he jots on the wall, bringing clarity to his thoughts and as a trail for his friend Hem, who is not ready to move forward. Haw is catapulted into action by the the realization that “If You Do Not Change, You Can Become Extinct”. By pondering the question “What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?” he is able to confront his worries, and discover the freedom of a mindset where fear does not dominant. On the last wall, Haw summarizes his experience:
“Change Happens
Anticipate Change
Monitor Change
Adapt to Change Quickly
Change
Enjoy Change
Be Ready to Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again”
(Partial Excerpt from “Who Moved My Cheese” by Dr. Spencer Johnson)
I have always found the phrase “Enjoy Change” to be inspiring. It encourages a mindset of possibility, excitement and adventure as opposed to fear and retreat. This is not to suggest that every circumstance lends itself to this way of thinking, but where appropriate it is worth asking oneself “How Can I Enjoy This Change and Grow From It? What is the Learning in this Change?’ Simply asking these questions of oneself can allow for a change in perspective that may yield surprising answers.
