Embrace the Change

Ready — American humorist Will Rogers said, “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Saying it another way, famous baseball player, Satchel Paige, warned, “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.” Executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith, wrote, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.” All agree. Whatever field you’re in, it pays to keep moving forward.

Set — Moving forward is challenging. The more success you’ve had the more difficult it is to take hold of the changing future. So, when life and work are changing, it’s good to keep in mind that . . .

• Few theories, approaches, or programs that are valid today are likely to be valid a decade from now.

• Few companies, businesses, or non-profit organizations that are great today are likely to be great a decade from now.

• Few leaders—presidents, deans, CEOs, politicians, pastors, etc.—that are successful today are likely to be successful a decade from now.

Grow! — Clinging to past success in the vain hope that things won’t change is false security. In the midst of major change, security is always imaginary . . . deceptive . . . unobtainable. There are always painful moments in the transitions that change brings to life and work. The only thing to do is embrace the changes in the midst of staying true to your core values and vision.