Change wears two
faces, the face of danger and the face of opportunity. The danger face is usually seen
first. You may have to look hard to find the opportunity face.
Change always involves danger because change always begins
with loss. In order to change you must let go of where you are to get to where you are
going. You leave something behind. Such loss is usually experienced as a threat and
therefore a danger.
The "Letting Go" phase of change involves losses
which can range from giving up the security of a routine task, to saying good bye to a
familiar environment, to losing meaningful long term work relationships. Such a series of
losses may be the result of having received a promotion and new career opportunities.
While this is a positive change, it still involves loss. Whether a change is positive or
negative, loss is always involved.
The Dangerous/Opportunity
The Chinese word for crisis is similar to the faces of
change. The Chinese ideogram for crisis is composed of two separate characters. One means
danger and the other means opportunity. The proper translation is, "Crisis is a
dangerous opportunity." Often the danger of a crisis is readily seen while the
opportunity can be well hidden. Frequently, crisis and change are seen as the same. When
confronted with either it is important to recognize both the danger and the opportunity.
However, once you have scanned for the danger of change
remember to seek out the opportunity. The opportunity may not be obvious or immediate. The
opportunity may be subtle such as the chance to learn something new. It may involve the
taking on more responsibility which later opens new doors. Opportunity could give you more
time with your family. It might make you a more mature person. You could receive financial
rewards. Opportunity can be well disguised. Remember to seek it out.
Always look for the positive face of change.
clipped from: www.lessons4living.com