These days, it seems a lot of people are having difficulty with something or another. It might be around career or money (can anyone say Dow Jones rollercoaster?), or family issues (anyone have kids, parents, pets???), or health (I just heard of a 46-year old man who’s been diagnosed with possible cirrhosis of the liver) – whatever it is, everyone is dealing with something.
What makes us human, and I believe, fragile and strong at the same time, is how we deal with whatever comes at us. When we’re faced with something new or unfamiliar in particular, we have a tendency to try and stay with what we know. It’s difficult to step out into the unknown – we’re taking a risk, we have to learn something new, we have to push ourselves out of our comfort zone. It’s no different when we talk about technology. I’ve met a number of people this week who look at me like deer caught in headlights when I mention technology and new media, and their impact in the world of business. For a lot of business people, it’s just “one more thing” they have to deal with…
Whatever it is, when it’s familiar or good, information is easy to handle. But when it’s not so good, or presents the possibility of risk, uncertainty or change, our natural reaction is to step backwards or become defensive. As adults, we know that we need to look at our “stuff” with some degree of objectivity so we can stand back and make a better choice. But our emotions very often won’t co-operate – and therein lies the dilemma.
But ultimately, we do have a choice with how we react.
I was talking to a friend of mine the other day – thanks for the inspiration, Gerald 
– and he said something that has stuck with me for several days. Someone he once knew told him that (and I’m paraphrasing) – “It’s ok if you get pushed down 7 times, just as long as you get up 8 times.” I think this applies in just about any circumstance regarding change, whether it’s personal, or professional. Change is inevitable, and all change is a learning experience.
So somehow, somewhere, reach down deep and find your inner strength. It comes from knowing who you really are and what you really want in life, and hanging on to that no matter what’s happening around you. And when you get up that 8th time, and realize you’re still standing, now that’s a feeling that’s absolutely irreplaceable…
