Change: Fear or Embrace?

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) English Naturalist

Fearing Change

Why do so many fear change? 

Because:

1. It is much easier to continue on with the status quo and to keep doing that which we have already mastered and does not require a great deal of conscious thought and effort.  Embracing and successfully navigating change is hard and requires that we renew our commitment to learning and growing; that we be comfortable with ambiguity and imperfection. 
2. Change, and any new challenge or endeavor which we embrace, brings with it the possibility of failure.  A likelihood that we will be less than perfect.  This fact makes people nervous and uneasy; they avoid potential change like the plague.  The fear of failure, sadly, holds many people back.  Keeps them stuck where they stand; firmly planted in their present situation and personal circumstances.  Unable to break free, move forward into unknown territory, and grow.  This is a sad fact. 
3. Some people lack the self-esteem and personal confidence required to succeed when making a life-change. 

Without positive change....we cannot grow.

Embracing Change

Why should we not fear change?

1. Because life is short.  Why not, instead of limiting ourselves, try to embrace change and a variety of life experience so that we can expand our horizons and grow?  Why be complacent and continue doing that which does not stretch our mind and broaden our experience?  That is how we grow.  That is how we gain perspective.  With infinite places to go, things to do, people to meet, experiences to be had, and unique moments to incorporate into our lives, we should embrace change.  Conquer our fear.  Overcome our reluctance and hesitancy to branch out and challenge ourselves.
2. New experiences are what gives us perspective, knowledge, and wisdom.  Sheepishly avoiding change and doing the same thing, in rote fashion, over and over again, keeps us where we are.  Prevents us from great and diverse possibilities that are available to those bold enough to pursue them.
3. Change keeps us young.  Keeps us sharp.  Forces us to stay on top of our game.  Keep learning.  Never stop acquiring new skills. 
4. Meeting new people.  Usually inherent in change is meeting new people; forging and building new positive relationships with diverse people.  That is what life is all about.  The media just reported that the population of Earth has surpassed 7 Billion People.  7 Billion!  Hard to fathom.  Why limit ourselves to the same people in the same circle of friends and family that we have always had?  Change always us to meet great new people and to be gain access to new knowledge, ideas, and experience. 

Three Indisputable Facts

1. We are getting older every day (if you deem a potential change to be a positive one which will help you grow and improve your circumstances, life, and happiness.....then muster up the courage to make that change; the opportunity will not always be there!)
2. If you do as you have always done.....you will keep getting the same result.  If you have a Dream or a Goal which you believe in passionately with all your heart - then find the courage to commence pursuit of that Dream or Goal.  If you don't, you will never know what might have been. 
3. Opportunities abound.  Listen, research, read, network, and never stop communicating with positive people that you trust.  Life can always change for the better if you so desire.  Be open-minded to recognizing great opportunities and then be confident and courageous is seizing them. 

As Michael Jackson stated in one of his most famous Songs: "If you want to make a change, take a look at yourself, and make that change."