Are you easy-going? If so, you’re probably a nice person, and people will like you. But being relaxed has its downsides. If you’re looking for change, easy-going can be dangerous.
Get too relaxed and you get lulled into acquiescence. It leads to you being left behind. You need to be aware of the need for change.
One of my favourite words is ‘entropy’. It means ‘Things fall apart’. Neat systems begin to less effective. Shoes wear out. Machines break down. Relationships fail. Empires crumble. Unless you tidy the kitchen it will get more and more messy. It’s like the diagram below.
Entropy is always at work, unseen
We assume things will stay the same. But they don’t, especially not in a changing world.
Whenever you set yourself a goal or learn a skill, you’re pushing back against entropy. The alternative is to give in, and let yourself be carried along on the tide.
Without effort, you allow yourself to be controlled by others. You’ll be the victim of slow change.
You need to be alert to things changing around you. Don’t assume you have a job for life, because you won’t. The services your organisation provides will go out of fashion. Over time you’ll no longer lust after your partner. You’ll exercise less. Your waist will expand. You’ll watch more television.
People in a successful relationship work at it. Businesses that keep pace with progress survive longer. They fight against apathy and entropy.
Stay alert to changes in the world around you. Don’t assume things will stay the same. Acquire new skills. Be aware of new ideas.
Get out of your comfort zone. It’s really your danger zone.
Exercise: How open to change are you?
Results
If you scored at least six out of ten, well done. You’re staying alert to what’s going on around you. If you scored five or fewer, you’re in danger of falling behind. Here’s what to do:
How to be open to change
These steps will ensure you stay abreast of change. They’re the corollary of the quiz above.
- Ensure you personally cook from scratch at least weekly.
- Try out a new food or recipe at least once in the last fortnight.
- Take at least 15 minutes brisk exercise a day, on average.
- Reflect on how you might increase your earnings, and take steps to implement that.
- Develop a sense for what could be improved or changed at work, and raise it as an issue.
- Go out of your way to hug your partner at least once a week.
- Check regularly for things you don’t know, such as the origin of a word, or the history of a town, by looking it up on Google.
- Read novels or non-fiction works that are not by your favourite author.
- Visit a museum or gallery at least six times a year.
- Go to the cinema or theatre at least twice a year.
- Phone a friend at least once a month.
Did I omit your One Big Change? Email me at KitSadgrove@gmail.com. If I get enough requests I may add it here.
With best wishes
Kit Sadgrove
Founder, Get Up And Go
Do you want help with achieving change in your life? We have a coaching programme that could help you. Learn more.
