I’m not sure who said the phrase first, but it’s worth repeating: The only constant is change.
Change shows up everywhere, often without our approval or permission. Sometimes a new technology or competitor makes us take notice. Other times, it’s a bump in the road we didn’t expect.
The reality, not only in business but in our personal lives, comes to this: people thrive when they stay curious and embrace change. I like to think that’s my nature, especially as I dream of a machine that folds and puts away the laundry!
Embracing change has been written about for years, and for good reasons. In a Forbes article, for example, Chad Wachter shares the importance of being open to new ideas and how it can drive growth and innovation. Yes, I know, adapting is often easier said than done. That’s where mindfulness can help.
People who practice mindfulness know that life involves impermanence. Everything, even happiness and sadness, is temporary. At first, this idea might be hard to swallow and feel daunting, but it’s freeing once we change our mindset. When we resist saying, “that’s how we’ve always done it,” we can live in the moment and stop worrying about what might (or might not) happen next.
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strategize and plan for the future. As leaders, we always need to look ahead. But we can do this while realizing nothing lasts forever, and that’s not a bad thing. Even the best-made plans need adjusting along the way. Even a mistake can help us evolve and grow if we’re open-minded and put our ego aside.
As we wrap up 2025 and move into the new year, model the way for your team, those in your personal life, and in your community. And when something new or a challenge comes knocking, let’s embrace it like an old friend we’re meeting for coffee (or a chocolate croissant or two).
Article written by Marci D. Thompson, chief executive officer of SMPS and the SMPS Foundation. She can be reached at marci@smps.org.
