It is a fairly well known fact that humans resent change. It was not till recently that I experienced this first hand. Last week I attended a Change Management Training as part of my orientation to my workplace. Before attending this session, I thought to myself, “Here we go again, another 4-5 hours wasted and I have so much work to complete”. I was pleasantly surprised at the end of the day and came out of the training feeling that I did accomplish something, maybe not material, but intellectual for sure. In the training I heard my seniors say that their personalities at work and at home are completely opposite. At first I didn’t understand this as I am the same Average Joe when at home or at work but then realized, what they meant was that, they have to change their approach while attempting to handle their staff when comparison to their children. This was a necessary as both groups have different motivations. Change, in this situation was necessary but when one is told that they have to move from one location to other then there, change poses a real problem. This change is enforced and one does not have an option so people become more paranoid as they can’t past the fact that it is forced upon them. This is the change we fear the most as everything around us becomes uncertain, but the point I don’t get is why this change does not excite one. Not knowing what’s in store for one can be really exciting, as we explore newer avenues that we would never think of if we were in our preferred comfort zones. I for one feel that change is a necessary evil that we should embrace instead of avoid.
FYI, this training was based on the bestseller “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson. It is remarkable that Johnson has made millions by just stating the obvious facts that we fail to realize in our day to day lives. Even though this training was more related to work environment I can see how it relates to our lives.
I understand that the thought of moving out of one’s so called “comfort zone” is scary but until we experience this we will never know the opportunities that are available to us. For example when was the last time you went out to a bar or a dance club without your bro’s or bff’s, let me answer that, probably, never? I myself have never done this, but be rest assured very soon I will be trying this out. I know I could be in for one of those nights where I get bored out of mind or am thought of as a creep but what the hell it’s a change from the usual. Also I would be lying if I don’t mention that the chances of me talking to someone are more when alone than with friends as the longing for some company will finally take over my introvert nature. Pardon me for my example but I couldn’t think of anything better :)
I am not propagating that one should change their whole outlook on life but don’t you feel it’s worth revisiting the thought of doing something different, something, that one has been scared of doing solely because change is not your favorite aunt that never gets invited to the Christmas party. We all know life is short, so let’s try to enjoy ourselves and do things that we would like to but are scared of the consequences. I also know that some changes won’t produce the desired outcome but one has to be prepared to take such risks, otherwise, what’s the point of this life. For a change call your loved ones and tell them that you love them or clear out your wardrobe and bring in new clothes or even better if you feel you can’t dance then join a Salsa class. Just go out and make small changes in your lives to appreciate it more. Now, on a final note I will leave you with a song from an artist that I have never heard before. Hope you enjoy it!!!