How comfortable are you with change?
Change. There’s something about the topic that sparks many a conversation. Like the one I recently had with a good friend whom I met after a long time.
When I began talking about the farm and the way Michael and I were managing it, our friend said that he was amazed at how we had embarked on a new journey at a stage in our lives when most people would have retired and be ensconced in their comfort zone. He added that people usually set out to do crazy things when they are young as they have the energy and enthusiasm to tackle the challenges that change inevitably brings.
This brought me to deeper questions on change that I asked myself and would like to pose to all of you:
How comfortable are you with change?
Is there an ideal age to embrace change?
Is change time agnostic?
Does change come to you or do you go out looking for it?
When Michael and I took the decision to set up our farm, we were in our early 60s and mid 50s respectively. For most people, this is the stage when they choose to be happily anchored in their comfort zone, having accomplished what they set out to do in their lives. As for us, it was the beginning of an exciting new phase where we would be embracing change and all that it would bring, head-on.
It didn’t seem so daunting - simply because both of us of love change. In fact, I revel in it at professional and personal levels. I enjoy the thrill of change, embracing its ups and downs, and adapting to it.
In my opinion, there’s so much that change enriches us with especially from a professional perspective. Change presents great opportunity to do things differently, think from a new dimension, meet new people, discover new environments, tap into our energy and reserves of courage as we set new goalposts or shift old ones.
When I look within, I can confidently say that change has given me a flexible frame of mind that allows me to be open to different audiences that I coach. This is indeed a blessing as when you are coaching a diverse group of people there are different opinions that each add value to the interaction. You get to learn something new and the key to recognizing the worth of it is to have an open mind - a valuable trait that loving change brings.
Change pushed me out of my comfort zone. It made me braver as I left my home grounds and explored a new land.
Another thing that change does is to keep my brain wires constantly crackling as I am compelled to come up with fresh thoughts and ideas in a new environment. What a great way to keep the grey cells alive and kicking.
I find that change and optimism are two sides of a coin, as those who revel in change are hopeful souls who look out for positivity. Seek change and you will find a whole new world out there that’s full of opportunity.
Change and trust go together, as do change and determination. As I conclude this article, I would like to remind us that in our times, change with all its positive qualities, is much needed. And something we need to embrace with joy and spontaneity.
Do share your thoughts on change and how you have welcomed it.
