Adapting to change
MALAYSIANS from all walks of life are still talking about the biggest change the country has experienced — the change of government after the 14th General Election.
Such is the magnitude of this turn of events that it brings with it a lot of emotions, either negative or positive, to all of us.
Many of us resist change, preferring instead to remain in our comfort zone. But in order to grow, some forms of change are generally required.
A great example is the journey of growth of the butterfly — how it transforms itself in the metamorphosis process. It goes through a four-stage process starting with the laying of the eggs. Then, these eggs hatch into the larva or caterpillar whose job is to eat and eat.
Once a caterpillar reaches its desired size, it’s time to transform again into a pupa, also known as the transition stage. After a few weeks, the transformation is complete and out emerges the beautiful butterfly as we know it.
TRANSFORMATION FROM WITHIN
We too need to go through this beautiful transformation every once in a while. Yes, it’s not always going to be comfortable but in many cases, the alternatives are worse. The caterpillar, for example, can’t remain a caterpillar forever as it will eat itself to death.
Tough days will be ahead of us unless we starttakingthebullbyitshorn.Acknowledge the changing situation positively instead of fretting too much over it.
Accept the fact that the only constant is change. Stop complaining. Instead, spend all that energy preparing ourselves mentally and physically.
Nothing beats the power of internal transformation. When others are giving up, people who are fired up from inside will keep going no matter how challenging the environment is.
LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
It’s our tendency to blame others when things go wrong. But let’s make a fresh start this time by pledging to analyse ourselves first. Start with things that are closest to us — our family.
When our spouses are angry, instead of blaming him or her for overreacting, take some time to check if we may be at fault. Similarly, before dishing out punishments to our children who may have been misbehaving, stop and check to see if they actually understand the rules and boundaries.
This self-control isn’t easy to gain. It takes a cool head and even cooler emotion. It requires a lot of practice and restraint.
But the outcome iswonderful. Besides lowering our own blood pressure, we’ll find that the home will be a more harmonious place with fewer conflicts. As the leaders at home, what we’ve done is effectively shown a great example by transforming ourselves from angry parents to cool ones.
LEAD THE CHANGE
Now that the government is working hard to create a better, fairer and more open Malaysia, what’s our role to make it happen?
As John F. Kennedy once said: “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.”
We can lead the change starting with ourselves. How? By following the rules of law. Work with integrity. Help others in need. Be colour blind.
The list is endless. Let’s start to adopt the new exciting changes coming our way. Let’s ensure that our children are aware of the history in the making. Acknowledge that change is difficult but not changing is fatal.