As I sit here on the anniversary of my father’s passing away (he died on his 83rd birthday July 9th, 2014) I find myself in an interestingly contemplative mood. In many ways, I could be sad, but instead I am hopeful. Change and transition are two of the most challenging things we all deal with on a regular basis. There are so many quotes about “change” – and yet it’s still so difficult for so many.
A colleague recommended I read the book “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson. Written in 1998, it was a bestseller for many months and has endured as a tome for many since. The book is all about the inevitability of change, how best to deal with change, and how it should be handled. As an aside, those who know me well will have heard me say that I like to read for pleasure. Business books are often a slog for me to get through. Thank God for YouTube!! So I watched this video earlier today and this evening, it’s just me and my thoughts.
While there are many naysayers and critics of the book, the basic principles and lessons are solid and valuable (IMHO):
- Change Happens
- Anticipate Change
- Ask yourself “What would I do if I weren’t afraid?”
- Adapt To Change
- Enjoy Change!
- Be Ready To Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again
Always lots of food for thought. There are others so much more eloquent than I. I wonder what Simon Sinek would say about this? I will leave you with one of my all-time favorite quotes, one that lives on our fridge at home and that we use with our boys all the time.
“Be the change you want to see in the world!” – Mahatma Gandhi
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