A friend of mine once told me that the greatest skill
required in the 21st Century is the ability to unlearn, learn and
relearn. This has stuck with me as it is what guarantees the ability to adapt
to change as well as prepare for another change – change is life’s only
constant. Unlearn, learn and relearn – habits, skills, character traits etal.
You see then that learning is a process in life that never
ends. Learning is what aids change which is why the Bible admonishes us to be
transformed by the renewing of our minds. This renewal comes through feeding
your mind and exposing yourself to new information and instruction.
I made a commitment to read 3 books this month and I started
with John Maxwell’s ‘The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership’, I am only on the 4th
chapter but so far I have gained new insights – the ability to read is indeed a
blessing.
The 3rd chapter of this book deals with ‘the law
of process’ and is based on the fact that “Leadership develops daily, not in a
day”. I have realized though that this isn’t limited to leadership but every
aspect of our lives. Change is a process that doesn’t just happen in a day.
Change as a process starts in the mind and requires commitment,
conscious effort, intentional acts, self-discipline and perseverance. When one
decides to change, it usually is an event but for the change to be effectual,
it takes a process. Note the terms ‘Event
and Process’.
As John Maxwell aptly put it, “most people overestimate the
importance of events and underestimate the power of process. While events can
be effective catalysts for change, it takes a process for lasting improvement to
take place”.
Maxwell further stated the differences between an Event and
a Process:
An event encourages decisions, motivates people, is a
calendar issue, challenges people and is easy while a process encourages
development, matures people, is a culture issue, changes people and is
difficult.
As such if you need to take steps forward, then you may
attend an event but if you want to improve, then you will engage in a process
and stick with it. This sticking with – a process – requires self-discipline,
commitment and conscious efforts.
For instance,
Committing to a relationship with another person is an event
but no matter the attraction and connection you feel with this person, the
relationship will not last if you do not nurture it – this is a process.
If I decide to lose weight and rely on a drug that promises
to help me lose weight it may work but it wouldn’t last as it would only be a
quick fix. The real change will come from a commitment to exercising and
controlling my diet.
If you commit to being a better parent and make no effort to
spend time with your child and keep the promises you make, trust will still not
be built and your commitment will only end as a decision.
When you become born again, it is only just an event. You do
not just change overnight and even if you do try to change, after a while you
may go back to how you used to be. You have to intentionally decide to build
your relationship with God by regularly studying his word, devoting yourself to
prayers and fellowship to experience real change – this is a process.
As humans sometimes we get impatient and give up on
ourselves, people, situations and systems because we expect the change we seek
to occur overnight.
Overnight change may occur but it would not last because
processes are what guarantee real change in every aspect of life be it
business, leadership, relationships, finances, health, career etc. and a
positive change can only be achieved through discipline, commitment and
continuous learning.
So the next time you get impatient and are tempted to give
up on someone or even with yourself over the change you expect to see, remember
that change is a process and some things take time.
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