Our daughter, Taylor, recently left Colorado Springs to move to Hawaii. Her relocation had something to do with the reassignment of her handsome Army soldier, Ross.
Talk about a big change. Not only did they go from mountains to island living but they will have spent almost two months living out of seven duffle bags. First, they lived in an empty apartment and slept on an air mattress when the Army moved the furniture in their apartment. Now, they are taking up residence in a hotel until their house is ready.
As they were discussing their adventure and all the fun things they were discovering about Hawaii, I thought of the lyrics in the late, great Jimmy Buffet’s song, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.
“With these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes Nothing remains quite the same”
While they love their new state, their relocation seems like a big change to her Texas parents.
When Chris Clarke-Epstein and I wrote our passport to success, “Do Change Better,” we discussed why you should “Think Big” when choosing to make a change.
At first glance, an incremental change might seem the best choice. It feels safe – a good beginning. The problem with a small step is just that – it is small. To have a truly transformational change, remember:
🌴 Don’t sell yourself short by thinking you can’t do much.
🌴 You can do amazing things when you challenge yourself.
🌴 The possibility of a personal transformation usually brings on equal parts of fear and excitement.
My new professor role at The University of Texas at Dallas is exciting and a big transition with new responsibilities. What is your experience with change?
For instance,
❓ What big change are you contemplating?
❓ How have you dealt with an important change recently?
❓ What lessons can you share to help others do change better?
When thinking through all transitions my family and friends are dealing with right now, Jimmy Buffet’s next lyrics in the same song seem appropriate:
“With all of our running, and all of our cunning
If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.”
Maybe Jimmy reminds us to keep a sense of humor as we negotiate the changes we face. Go Negotiate My Friends!