What a Relief, Right?

A constant joy in life is realizing what little impact most events have on me. Actions occur to me daily and I think, “Surely these consequences will affect my life”. As time moves away from these actions the more clearly, I can see their true impact. When I reflect, I notice the impact is often very small and usually forgettable. It is fun though, to be honest, to think that I am important. To think that the world cares and considers me as fate plays out. Or, to believe every action and consequence that I experience will alter the trajectory of my life because “I” am important.

My current employer is in a state of great growth and change. Often, it feels like a shift is occurring that changes the fabric of who we are as a company. It is scary, things were comfortable and familiar and now they are different. For a long time I was Chicken Little, fearful that the sky was falling. The more change I saw, though, the more comfortable it became. More importantly though, I saw how crucial the change was.

Successful businesses, like successful people, are constantly reinventing themselves. What a shock it is for Americans to learn that what worked in high school does not carry over to “real-life”. For business, it is no different. Employees, technology, and the market are always evolving. What worked last year may not work this year. And let’s not forget that change brings about opportunity. For opportunity is the seed that sprouts success.

Internally I am in constant debate whether or not human’s incessant egocentrism is a blessing or a curse. On the one hand, it might be the origin of our worst anxieties. However, on the reverse it might be the reason our species has advanced so far. Regardless, a solid lesson to learn is that most actions’ consequences will not affect your life. What a relief, right?

Work should not capitalize your life but it is important. At the end of the day “work” is how we provide for our families. Because of this, it is logical that “work” causes anxiety. I think that’s ok, it’s your livelihood we are talking about. At “work”, there are things you can control and things you can’t. You know the difference. I stopped focusing on that which I cannot change and instead began watching for situations that change can bring about opportunity. If the opportunity never comes, well, that’s ok too…it probably won’t matter anyways.