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By Richard
Hill, Internal Audit, Workers' Compensation Fund, Utah
As I contemplated this article, I looked out my window noting the
changing seasons. The mountain tops were white with snow while
the leaves on the trees in the valley displayed their various
colors, signaling the approaching winter. And the thought crossed
my mind that nothing is more certain than change. Or as they
say “The only thing Constant is Change Itself.”
Pondering these words, I reflected upon on my own life; the changes
in my career, the changes in my family, the untimely passing of
a dear friend, Tom Struyk – Chairman of the AASICF Audit
and Statistics Committee and Controller of Pinnacol Assurance in
Colorado and realized how true the above statement is. Welcomed
or not, change is inevitable. Charles R. Swindoll once said, “Life
is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” So,
the question is, will we allow change to pull us aimlessly along
through indecision and procrastination, or will we be the captains
of our destinies, guiding the changes in our lives by being proactive
rather than reactive. I would like to share an excerpt of an article
that appeared in the October 2008 issue of Healthy Utah Magazine entitled “Season of Change”.
“…I heard a marvelous idiom yesterday and I can’t
get it off my mind. I can’t think of the last time such a
straightforward expression has kept me so solidly focused. It’s
been empowering. Enlightening. Enriching. And it’s so simple.
Consider this:
If not me, then who?
If not now, then when?
“Like a crystal, the colors of these words change when viewed from
the different angles of your life. Read this in light of family
and think how it applies to the little things (doing the dishes
or dusting) to the bigger things (loving, listening, reaching
out, etc.). How does it apply in your life to career, friends, service
opportunities, personal growth? How does it apply to the decisions
you make regarding your health?”
“Echoing in these words are change and work. As powerful
as words can be, words alone cannot build, repair, produce or discover.
These require effort and action. At the risk of sounding preachy,
it’s no wonder that we struggle with the big issues of life.
Career change, completing college, getting fit, or just learning
to say ‘I’m sorry’ are the kinds of things that
lurk in our minds and whisper that we should be doing something.
If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”
“Have you ever noticed that when the itch to change emerges,
it doesn’t go away? Avoiding the issues of growth because
of the effort required or the riskiness involved is actually more
wearing than just diving in and doing it. That little voice is
what helps us decide to move, to stretch our potential, to be great.”
“So, as we pause to give thanks this month and reflect on
where we’ve been and where we’d like to be, consider
these points:
- Believe in change. Change is inevitable, so don’t think
you can’t because of your situation. Take charge and change.
(And believe that others can change also).
- Take chances.
Life is risky. If it feels right, jump, and trust that the
inner voice comes equipped with a parachute.
Learn to recognize options and opportunities. Change jobs, start
a company, get that checkup. If not now, then when?
- Believe in
second chances. If your fitness regimen has stalled – reignite it today. And be open to a-typical alternatives.
Happiness doesn’t come in a package, so don’t conform
your life to stereotypes and norms, find out what’s right
for you and dive in.
- Pursue your dreams. Why did you become a tax
attorney or optician in the first place? Either rekindle your
flame for
what you do, or do something that lights your fancy. Unhappiness
is a signal to change, and it’s you that generally needs
to make the first move.
- Choose growth. What’s the opposite of growth? Stagnation.
Find a pace in life that’s comfortable, and be consistent.
Growth doesn’t require a speedometer. Just a direction.
So, as one year closes and a new one begins, let’s all
choose to have more happiness than hurry.”
If not me, then who? If not now, then when?
Reprinted with permission by John Anderson, Editor of CitiHealth,
Inc.
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