Change creates pressure on everyone.  How can we manage change so it becomes a positive aspect of our lives?  Here are seven helpful tips.

The Speed of Change

by

Gary L. McIntosh, D.Min., Ph.D.

A recent joke tells of a college freshman stopping a young lady hurrying to

class. “What’s the rush?” he asks. “I’ve got to get to class before the textbook

goes out of date,” she replies.

While this joke is overstated, we must admit change is taking place at a faster

pace than in years past. What follows are a few examples of how change has

occurred with greater and greater frequency.

• New models of computers are often out of date within 120 days and

discontinued within one year.

• In 1971 the average American was targeted by at least 560 daily advertising

messages. Today the number has changed to 3,000+ messages per day.

• In the early 1990s it took 7.5 days to manufacture a computer which now only

requires a few hours.

• Since 1987 the number of fax machines in U.S. offices has increased

+10,000,000.

• Since 1983 the number of computers in U.S. offices has increased +25,000,000.

• Since 1987 the number of registered e-mail addresses has changed

+26,250,000 and increasing daily.

What are we going to do about it?

One of the most consistent aspects of life is change. Thus, to grow and

develop in this fast-paced society, we must move with it. Here are a few ideas on

how we can face the speed of change

First, realize change is part of God’s design.

The world has been in motion ever since God created it. While God personally

does not change, the creation changes regularly. Remember: God appointed

mankind to manage the earthly resources which includes managing change in an

appropriate manner rather than resisting it.

Second, learn on the fly, forever.

Once upon a time a basic education prepared a person for a lifetime of work and

ministry. Today, basic education is effective for 10-15 years at most. Continuing

education is today’s watchword. Learn as you go from every source that you

know.

Third, rescript challenges.

In Chinese, the word for crisis is derived from two different symbols: one

represents despair, the other opportunity. Rescripting means looking for the

opportunities in the changes around us, rather than the difficulties.

Fourth, focus on your core.

People can live with change all around them if there is a changeless core within

them. Spend time developing the spiritual center of your life. Take time each day

to read God’s word, mediate, and pray. In addition take a few moments to walk,

or listen to birds, or watch clouds, or listen to your favorite music, or read a book

of poetry.

Fifth, right size your life.

Reorganize your life by getting rid of unnecessary work or involvements. Only

about 20% of what we do is really necessary. The rest is in our lives due to our

choices. Take time to consider what you can scale back on, such as board and

committee attendance, or extra assignments from work, or habits like watching

television.

Sixth, empower those around you.

Give those around you more power to make decisions on their own without

having to get input or permission directly from you. Speed up meetings by

asking those under your oversight to bring problems AND solutions when they

meet with you. Resist the temptation to be an active participant in all meetings

and activities.

Seventh, live by your mission statement.

Write a mission statement for your life and then live by it. To be effective, it

should be 25 words or less in length. Then evaluate all that you do against your

statement. If an activity does not fit into your statement, consider not being

involved.

The speed of change is not likely to slow down in the years ahead. To be

effective in our lives and in the Lord’s work requires better management of our

time.

Which of the ideas presented above do you think would be the most helpful to

you?

What should you begin to do?