CHANGE IS INEVITABLE - GROWTH IS OPTIONAL

Here is a most interesting study. An economist condensed 50,000 years of recorded history into just 50 years. In this distilled version of history, it was only 10 years ago that you and I emerged from the cave. The first 40 years meant practically nothing in the way of progress. It was just 2 years ago that Christ walked along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Just 10 months ago Gutenberg invented the printing press to make possible vast communication. Ten days ago Edison discovered electricity. It was on that same day that Sheldon fathered salesmanship. Last week, the Wright Brothers made that first successful airplane ride. Five days ago someone pushed a button and you heard your first radio broadcast from KDKA in Pittsburgh.

Late yesterday another button was pushed and you viewed television for the first time. It was a matter of minutes ago that the first jet broke the sound barrier. Only a few seconds later, Armstrong landed on the moon . . .

Well, you get the idea . . . there is nothing so constant as change. But, it's the acceleration of change in this age of technology that gives you an idea of the kind of world in which we live and sell in today. And the world in which you'll sell tomorrow.

What are your attitudes toward change? Review these points adapted from, Taking the Fear Out of Changing, by psychologist Dennis O'Grady:

1.) The hardest thing to change is a hardening of attitudes; nothing kills change faster than attitudes that resist it.

2.) Failures stem from two sets of words: "I can't" and "Yes, but . . . ."

3.) Those adept at change don't reject good advice just to prove they aren't being controlled by those who give it.

4.) Complaining is good, if it isn't a substitute for action - but it often is.

5.) High self-esteem results from making small positive changes in spite of fear. Confidence comes from conquering fear of change.

6.) Unexpected pain can result from either huge set-backs or successes.

7.) Change artists analyze how fear of success can stop them from changing. They also know success does not magically bestow happiness.

8.) Fear of commitment to goals can make one stop short of setting appropriate goals. Commitment forces an answer to a tough question: "What do
I really want?"

9.) Choices and options are all open. One can make new choices anytime.

10.) Giving positive strokes to one's self is as important as giving them to others. But self-criticism is easier than self-stroking.

11.) Balancing pleasing one's self with pleasing others is often difficult.

Learn to accept an adjustment in attitude. You are probably facing a change today that, viewed properly, will bring about growth and even more success. Examine your attitude toward it and adjust accordingly.