Change is the only constant…

The idea of change tends to bring feelings of uncertainty and concern, especially when we don’t know what the outcome will be. In a 2015 online study, over 600 respondents reported that while 9 out of 10 people saw their lives differently in five (5) years, approximately 2/3 of them stated that the uncertainty of the future worried them. In 2020, many things changed, individually and collectively on a global scale, that only served to intensify the feelings of worry.

As we bring 2021 to a close and we approach 2022 with cautious optimism, there are a few things I have observed for myself, among my professional and personal networks, as well as within the GOOD community:

Change involves an end, a transition, and a new beginning - happening concurrently.

Most times, change is viewed as the end of a known situation, with the uncertainty of a new beginning and how will we bridge the gap as we work through that change. The process of change is not statistic or linear, it’s dynamic. While we like to perceive that life is remaining constant and that gives us some comfort, the fact is that we change every second, every minute, every hour of every day. Essentially, life begins with birth, ends with death and the transition is the life journey in between. For example, while the human body may replenish itself every 7 years, our muscles take about 24 hours to recover from a workout and adults take an average of 12 to 16 breathes per minute. Therefore, whether you are conscious of it or not, it’s a ‘24/7 ever changing gig’ that happens from the time we take our first breath to our last.  Therefore, the only constant is change.

A positive change mindset makes the world of difference. 

We may not be able to choose what changes may come our way, but we can choose a mindset that offers a more positive outlook to the experiences that change brings. Even during the difficult times, such as our collective experience of COVID, it is filled with opportunities to reset, reflect, learn, grow, explore diverse and sometimes polarizing perspectives, while determining our paths forward. Therefore, if we choose to focus on the negative, often we will see overwhelming more negativity. However, if we choose to have a positive mindset of curiosity, openness, and nimbleness - the fluidity of the change process may feel less restrictive and confining. Either way, we can choose to see the changes of life as the glass half full or the glass half empty…both will make the world of difference.

We are more resilient than we may think.

Change is often accompanied with fear of the unknown. Yet as things happen to and around us, we need to explore the unknown. We need to confront those things that scare us, and more times than not, it really is not as scary as we thought. Or we realize – we are more resilient than we may think! One of the things that makes experiencing change an adventure are the people that go through it with you. Those that are there to cheer you on, walk beside you along the way, or even the ‘haters’ provide the benefit of intensified motivation to prove them wrong. Either way, many times it is the changes, particularly those that we questioned whether or not we would survive, are the ones that stretch and teach us that we are truly more resilient than we think.

Change at GOOD

So, as the calendar year comes to an end, so does a chapter in the GOOD journey with our current Board of Directors and Leadership team. While some remain, others end their terms, and many have moved to other roles within the GOOD community, I want to take this opportunity to say, “Thank you for your Leadership & Service!” The last two years have truly been a journey of ever changing and challenging circumstances within and outside of GOOD.

However, your commitment and care for our community- like change - remained constant. With our Board Elections and membership renewal, GOOD will have a change of leadership and a possible shift in our community. For the remainder of 2021, we will be in a transition but look forward to welcoming in our new leaders and creating a more inclusive environment for all members in 2022 and beyond. Change is the only constant…and change can be GOOD.

Krystena Sterling

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-do-1-3-people-say-change-some-surprising-stats-jim-bright