What can I possibly add to the topic of transformation? I settle on the somewhat risqué title: ‘Shif t Happens’; although Australians often omit the ‘f.’ Let’s face it-life isn’t perfect and sometimes the more things change, the more they remain the same in terms of human response to such shift. Certainly, this may occur faster In today’s high tech world but in this Year of the Horse, I ponder the paradox that:
My great grandfather rode a horse to work but was frightened of that ‘new-fangled’ technology called a train.
My grandfather rode a train but was frightened of the horseless carriage we call a car.
My father drove a car but was frightened of that new innovation called a plane.
I fly to conferences all over the world-but can’t ride a horse. (at least, not very well!)
Yes, some things may go full circle but it remains constant that you can’t go forward if you are looking backward and tethered by outmoded paradigms. .
Paradigm shift is a term familiar to most and basically refers to a change in a long established pattern of behaviour. But do we simply pay lip service to the concept without actually altering our modus operandi? Here’s a few variations to ponder on the popular phrase:
Paradigm shift or drift? Are you passive to go with the flow even when you can sense things drifting in the wrong direction-or will you be courageous enough to stick your neck out to help shift the course of events?
Horse sense: Don’t put the cart before the horse…unless that’s where the cart needs to be!
Paradigm shift or lift? Do you feel bogged down by changes outside your control-or do you embrace evolving environments and use your energy to focus on changes within your control; to lift yourself to a higher level and become a victor-not victim-of change .
Horse sense: If your work doesn’t feed your dreams, seek new pastures but beware-the grass isn’t always greener.
Paradigm shift or rift? Does your team work together for positive change-or is there a rift amongst peers who fight internally to protect their own little patch of turf? Never forget that the competition is external.
Horse sense: What sort of horse are you…a thoroughbred-workhorse-show pony-old nag -or wooden horse? Be bold and be unique to run your own race as a stayer-not just a sprinter.
Paradigm shift or sift? With the increasing volume of information cascading down on us in avalanche proportions, do you allow yourself to be buried in trivia or able to sift fads from fundamentals; to filter the urgent from the important?
Horse sense: Be sure to sift the wheat from the chaff so you don’t recklessly ride off in the wrong direction.
Paradigm shift or gift? Change is a threat to many but a priceless gift to those who welcome it. I’m reminded of the old fable of two young brothers who asked for a horse one Christmas. One received a beautiful wooden rocking horse but was bitterly disappointed and burst into tears. The other only received a bag of manure but excitedly told his brother: ‘With all this s**t , there must be a pony nearby’ And sure enough there was one waiting outside.
Horse sense: Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Remain positive as every problem presents an opportunity.
Yes, shift happens-and will continue to happen in mother nature and human nature; in organisms and organisations, It’s how we adopt an attitude of resilience and adapt to those paradigm shifts, drifts, rifts, lifts, sifts or gifts that will determine our future.
It may be an old adage to pick yourself up and get back on the horse-or back on course. But, as in generations past, it remains true for everyone today. What are you waiting for? Be unique!