Oops they used the "C" word

Life is perfect, I have been working at my job for what seems to be an eternity. I know where everything is, who to speak to, where to go when something needs to get done. Everything is in order just how I like it. Then one day, something strange is in the air. They are asking me to do something new, try something different. What's this, "think outside the box?" What is going on here? I don't need to think outside of the box, life is perfect, I know my stuff, I know how to get it done, Why fix what ain't broke?

How many times have we seen this mentality? People tend to be OK with change as long as change does not impact their way of life. They have gotten so used to doing things in their own way that they can't accept or understand the need for change.

Let's think of Change, change is present at all times. From the moment we are conceived in the womb we are in constant change, in development. Change is not always a choice its more of a process. Change not only happens in our lives, our way of thinking, our emotions, our physical development, it also happens outside of us. We change in accordance to our age and to our needs. Look back through your child hood pictures and think of each phase in your life. Observe the changes in your children, grandchildren. Change is evident and inevitable. So if change is inevitable, if it is expected to happen, why do we rebel against it? Why do we fear change?

Could it be that we don't fear "Change" itself, instead fear the "Unknown"?

• Can I learn something new? 
• Will I be able to perform at the same level? 
• Will I have to compete with people of less experience? 
• Will I be succeed? 
• Why is the change needed now? 
• What are they trying to achieve? 
• Is my job at risk? 

If we knew for a fact that we can succeed and that life will be better for US, we would tackle change in a heartbeat; yet their is the "unknown". If we could only understand their thinking and explain to them that there is no need to change what has been working for so long, life would be perfect.

Let's face it, change is bound to happen in EVERY aspect of our lives. We are built to think, find better

ways of doing things, improving our productivity, aim for more. Not only do we see this in children, we see this in marriage. You see a couple come together, slowly drift apart, separate. Why?, well it's not always due to "not getting along", it is sometimes from growing apart. Our vision in life changes, what we wanted is not in line with what we now want. At the work place, we went from paper trail to computer files. The goal is to be lean in the workplace, eliminate the 7 areas of waste which will in turn help them become stronger, more effective.

Therefore if we begin to understand that Change is a MUST in our lives and in the work place, then we need to start looking inward and work with ourselves. We as individuals should seek change. We should not wait for change to be mandated. We should look for constant self-improvement, development of new skills, sharpen old skills. We need to understand that what we knew is no longer current, therefore constant learning is in order. If we are to be the best in every way, then we need to be ready to change.

Fear of change is not about change, its about lack of confidence in our ability to change. Lack of trust in our ability to move forward, be flexible, compete. If we understand that we are in constant change, then we can open our minds and embrace change as a necessary part of life and essential to us becoming the best version of ourselves.

Next time you hear the "C" word, don't freak out!.....Instead welcome "CHANGE", be a cheerleader in the face of change and inspire / motivate yourself and others to see the opportunity that comes from change.