Thriving in Changing Times
Changing times, how does one deal? To fully appreciate changing times, it is essential to understand the concept of time and how it influences the concept of change.
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole. This definition states four facts about time: first, time is indefinite, which means that time is uncertain in length or amount. The second fact is that time is a continuous progression. The third fact is that time exists as a series of events. The fourth fact is that time cuts across the past, present, and future. Simply put, we exist in time.
The concept of change is broad and is often described from a user’s perspective. Regardless of how change is defined, a common thread in change definitions is that change involves doing things differently. Therefore, it is safe to describe ‘changing times’ as different events happening in a continuous, uncertain way.
So, how does one deal with continuous uncertain events? Below are a few ways to help cope with changing times.
1. Understand that change is as natural as time: allow it.
Change is a natural process, and just as with all natural things, we can’t resist it and win. An attempt to resist change is akin to resisting natural occurrences, such as seasons. Remember that seasons and evolution happen in response to natural events. These natural events are changes, and they are woven in time. Do not resist change; allow it to flow.
2. Change is essential for growth, and growth happens in time: keep learning.
Growth happens during change. There is a saying that an event that doesn’t kill, strengthens. There is a lesson to be learned in every event, a lesson in every change. Learning aids growth. Find the lesson, learn, and grow. Change is continuous; therefore, learning should be constant. According to Schein (1999), sometimes, we need to unlearn some behaviors to relearn. The mind must be ready to accept new things; sometimes, we need to unlearn current behavior to pave the way for new behavior and growth. Growth is continuous; keep learning.
3. Change takes time, and time is indefinite: be patient.
Stopping a habit takes time. Changing a behavior or adapting a new behavior is like changing a habit; it takes time. Be reasonable with the goals. Set realistic and achievable goals and implement a measurable yet straightforward mechanism to help achieve these goals. Remember that it takes time to form a habit, be patient.
4. The past, present, and future are connected through events: stay fluid, connect the dots
Present achievements are the result of past decisions, effort, and planning. Conversely, tomorrow’s achievement will be as a result of present decisions, effort, and planning. Timelines are interconnected, and maintaining fluidity enables easy navigation and connection between them. Time is perpetual, so is change (Schein, 1995).
5. Time flies, change is dynamic: stay nimble
Lastly, time is precious and once missed, cannot be recovered. The flighty nature of change does not reward procrastination, nor does it reward complacency. Change is dynamic; it is a force that is empowered by time. Time waits for no one; you have to act on time or be crushed by the force of change.
References:
Lui, A. K., Ngai, E. W., & Lo, C. K. (2016). Disruptive information technology innovations and the cost of equity capital: The moderating effect of CEO incentives and institutional pressures. Information & Management, 53(3), 345-354.
Straatmann, T., Kohnke, O., Hattrup, K., & Mueller, K. (2016). Assessing employees’ reactions to organizational change: An integrative framework of change-specific and psychological factors. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 52(3), 265-295.
Straf, M. L. (2003). Statistics: the next generation. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 98(461), 1-6.