Heraclitus lived even before Socrates in Ancient Greece. He perceived that everything changes. “You cannot set foot in the same river twice.”
Indeed, we see in our lives constant change. The kids grow. Jobs change. We must learn to adapt and, in this sense, go with the flow.
On the other hand, seen from a different perspective, say from 30,000 feet in an airplane, the river is where it has been more or less for millennia.
How do you maintain flexibility is a word that continually changes.
I’ve changed employers nine times in my career. And even while with one employer saw many changes. This is probably not unique.
But, I’ve had the opportunity to experience many organizations, styles, management practices. It certainly informs my coaching ability.
One must cultivate awareness, an open mind, willingness to learn something new every day.
We can wish that things never change.
Kind of like that 1964 Bacharach/David song made popular by Dusty Springfield
Cause wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’
Plannin’ and dreamin’ his kisses will start
That won’t get you into his heart
The best plan is to take action realizing that there are things we cannot change, but we can make the best of where we are.
[I bet you never thought I could go from Heraclitus to Dusty Springfield in one blog post. ;-)]