Go After Your Cheese

I write this month’s piece from a different city. A different city, but not a totally unfamiliar city. As it turns out, I was here many moons ago. Under different and what I like to dramatically describe as more traumatic circumstances.

When I left this city all those years ago, I left bitter, hurt, and wishing I’d heeded the words of people who’d warned me of the shocking change I’d face. Full of teenage bluster, I vowed never to return even if I were promised the best job in the world here.

Well, what do you know? Never say never. As is the case with all my best-laid plans, life has thrown me a curve ball. I got an irresistible new job offer. I was over the moon even when it came with a rider – I would have to spend a month in the city of my teen nightmares.

Times have changed. Yes, the city has changed too. People, possibly. But more importantly, I’ve realised it is my attitude that has changed. That has made all the difference. I’m easy with the unexpected, having learnt to take it all in my stride and ride out every storm. I’m beginning to see the wisdom of the little mouse Haw in “Who Moved My Cheese” when he chiselled “If you do not change, you can become extinct”.

It is interesting to see how people deal with a change in their game plan. Some have absolute meltdowns, others just shrug, roll up their sleeves and deal with it as best they can.

I’m not going to kid around here. It hasn’t exactly been a cakewalk. I’m re-adjusting to a different way of life. I’ve had a downer of a day where I’ve found myself struggling hard to batten down the hatches against a deluge of old demons. I’m determined not to let my past experience taint my chance at new learning this time. More insightful now, I see I shouldn’t allow one institution and a few cantankerous people from the past colour the bigger picture and form my impression of a city.

I’d written earlier this year about learning to embrace change with a positive attitude. I’d said, “Never underestimate your ability to learn and adapt. If you’re setting off on a new venture or a new job opportunity and find yourself battling self-doubt, remember that this is the starting block for new learning, to shake things up, do things differently, gain fresh experience and insight and be a different person. Because what’s life without any learning?” So when I have a bad day, I know I just have to suck it up and put my money where my mouth (or keyboard) is.

A complete and unexpected spanner thrown in the works is a beautiful way to see your true colours. How do you deal when your best-laid plans go awry? Are you going to embrace change, fight it tooth and nail, or simply remain ambivalent to it? Dealing well with a change to your game plan is essential to your personal growth. It nurtures belief and confidence in yourself, fosters inner strength, and gives you true clarity on your personal goals.

Don’t let change confine you. Allow it to define you. That is all.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go after my cheese.