Responding to Change
In previous discussions, we’ve looked at risk-taking and the importance of doubt. In a similar way, today’s quote is about change. We often think of Charles Darwin when we say “only the strong survive” or when we use the expression “survival of the fittest”. We may think it is strength that wins or intelligence. But Darwin himself said:
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.“
Do we rely on our strength to help us survive? Do we think our intelligence is enough? In our changing world, how we respond may be crucial to our success. In our changing world, Darwin’s idea may be more important than ever. How responsive are you to change? What are you doing now to adapt to the change in your life? What could you be doing differently to respond to change in the world?
I think anybody reading this blog is already responding, at least in a small way, to change. Instead of just learning (or teaching) in the classroom, we are here learning (or teaching) English together online. If you travel, if you live or have lived in another country, if you have changed jobs and learned from the experience, then you have responded successfully and grown.
Please write about your successful past changes in the comments section. Let us know what change you faced, how you responded, and how that response helped you. In that way, we can all learn from each other and continue to use this opportunity to change for the better.
Nafis Said,
June 27, 2008 @ 3:29 pm
“When life give you a lemon, make a lemonade.” My family and I had to go to different cities because of my father’s job, different places with different customes, traditions, believes. I must change my school every year. I did not have a long-term realationship with my friends. My father always thought of better life and opportunity. Even in his retirement, he always looks for better things. He knows computers better than young people, which is strange for his colleagues in his age.
Despite the fact that most people are afraid of changing, I think it is neccessary for personal improvement. It was really difficult to change my school every year even changing two school in one year. I had to made everything from scratch. Some people ignore you. others are suspicious of you. But I think it worths it. I learned a lot from different people and now I do not have fear of changing. When something bad happen in my life, I am stronger and can solve my problems. I am not a ship which wind can move easily.
I know god wants best things happen for me so I always test new things. Universe always changes. God created different flowers, different animals and insects, different people , different languages for our joy. Why should be the same?
teacherjoe Said,
June 27, 2008 @ 4:16 pm
“I am not a ship which wind can move easily.”
Beautiful!
hanane Said,
June 27, 2008 @ 6:32 pm
Hullo Dear Teacher,
Change is what I need these days indeed. I am a countryside girl. Our apprenticeship comes to an end at the 5th level of primary school. Refusing to yield to my parent’s decision, and against my aunt’s will, i moved to the city to continue my studies at my aunt’s house. it was a total change for an innocent twelve year girl at all levels, city life, dressing, speaking even at the level of studying. i was to change most of my habits and behaviour, though i found it difficult most of the time. And at the same time, I was to get used to live so far away of my parents and their support, enduring the meanness of my aunt and her sons. All this risk was taken in order to study, and it took me 10 years to realize my dream that is to graduate in English Language and Literature and I graduated. All the way I dreamt of being a tourist guide, I set to the written exam; it was the same as eating a piece of chocolate. Unfortunately I failed to pass the oral one. I felt lost. And not a grain of harvest except my English Language which was my only ammunition to continue struggling and find a job. It was a difficult a task to undertake. I moved to another city where i started anew. at 1st, I worked as teacher of English at a private school, but I failed to continue because of lacking experience, 2nd I worked at a call centre, by now i do work as an agent at a GSM pos. I was to be flexible and respond to each opportunity that can change something in my life. the problem is that I am not at all satisfied with what i am, and still looking for a wind of change to live abetter life and why not to get on.
Any redundancy?
Best regards
Teacher Joe Said,
June 28, 2008 @ 3:45 am
Hanane,
What is a “GSM pos”? General Sales Manager position? I’m not sure what that may be… In my own life, change seems to come in bunches. I will move to a new apartment to day (though it is temporary, just for two months) and then start a new job in another week. The job will keep me busy, but it should be interesting. I have no idea where the job will lead, but if I do well, in other words, if I adapt to the change well, then maybe it will lead to something better within the company. But if it doesn’t work out, what should I do? I will have to change again! That’s not much fun sometimes, but what else can I do?
hanane Said,
June 28, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
A GSM POS is a point of service that belongs to a telecom operator where I sell mobiles, convince people to have a mobile subscription, as well as ADSL subscriptions, and explain the different promotions and services that the operator offers. At 1st I was very excited and pleased with the job, but now I am not at all satisfied with the results. Every year I suspect that I am going to do something to change the stream of my monotonous life but in vain. And analysing the situation of the past five years, I found out that I was just grinding water. Nothing is to be hoped, except to stand up and look for myself again. That’s why I am in need of a change but with a special courage to face it. And seriously deal with the matter.
The first time I experienced change, I was not ready to face it yet. In this respect I can reveal that most of the time I regret the day when I choose to follow my studies because of the bad effects of that change on my psyche. Despite my age, I still feel the need to live that harmonious life within my family, and despite all the experiences I underwent, I still feel that something is missing inside. What is it? Only GOD knows.
Abhijit Said,
September 10, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
Hello Teacher,
Nice to meet u. I am Abhijit. I am Engineer from India. Change for me is something i always afraid of but have enjoyed it at the end. I rejoice the effects like with heart full of joy. noticeable in my life came in my life after finishing my graduation. I had to leave my hometown for job. I had to leave my parents my college and many things. In new city, it was all changed life. After some struggle, i got new job. I delighted. But life does not stops. I am now onsite Bangkok for second time in this year. When i come here, everything changes. People, food, language, culture…. everything. First time When i returned back to my home in India, i had very tough time to adjust there. This time, lets hope for better.
Now after office, i am trying to learn better english. Someone came into my life and changed me and my thoughts and now i am greedy to learn better.
Regards
Abhijit