Change is the only constant


Life as we know is fleeting, changeable and imperfect. All things human are short lived and perishable. It is true that “Change is universal and permanent, rest everything is transient”. In fact, the very existence of homo-sapiens on Earth is because of evolution or in other words a series of changes brought in by nature. Changes can be gradual like one’s depleting health condition or sudden like demonetisation. But, sooner or later we all have to face difficult times, and the way we deal with this can make a huge difference to our quality of life. 

It’s not what happens to you, but how you react that matters. The nature in its wildest form teaches us the same, survival of the fittest. You must have heard the story of two frogs. There were two frogs, both were kept in separate tumblers filled with normal water. For one of it the temperature was raised very slowly every day, so that it can adjust to the change but beyond a certain point its body was deteriorated and it finally died. The other frog was taken from normal water to hot water suddenly. It immediately jumped out of the tumbler. Moral of the story, if you don’t take timely action according to the changes brought in, it might turn fatal. Now, if you look around in society, you will find people who live by ‘just surviving’ kind of attitude, although they have lots of knowledge but the only thing lacking is will power to act and take timely action. The one who is able to react timely according to the changing situations is the one really successful in long term.

In order to deal with our setbacks we have to be resilient. Resilient people know how to stay focussed on their objective, on what matters, without giving in to discouragement. They know how to adapt and react to changes and to reverse their misfortunes to fortunes. Being emotionally resilient is the ability to recover quickly from difficulties but one can also become stronger on facing difficulties. For example, during these tough times of global pandemic due to Covid-19, the economy is deeply affected overall but a company takes advantage of the situation and launches their brand of sanitizer according to the need of the hour. They would make a fortune even in the tough times. So, not only we have to be resilient but tackle every setback as an opportunity for growth.  


There are a few things to remember in order to make the most of difficult situations:
  • Impermanence of things. We need to understand that everything around us is temporary so one should know to control emotions. We train our minds not to get swept up in anger, jealousy, sadness etc.
  •  Concentrate on the things you can control and don’t worry about those you can’t.
  • You have to be prepared for things, people and resources to disappear someday but, that doesn’t mean you have to feel insecure all the time instead enjoy the time which you have now. The only moment in which you can be truly alive is the present moment. 
  • Identify your comfort zone: The problem occurs when people are not able to function outside their comfort zone. So, if in case a situation happens and you need to step out of your comfort zone you should not feel helpless in such a condition. The need is to identify your comfort zone and make a solid action plan to get over it.
  • Negative visualization. Ask yourself, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ Be prepared. For example, if you have a stroke of bad luck and have to leave your present job, then keep an alternative ready. It is better to have a secondary occupation. Try to find a way to make money from your hobbies or a starting your own business. The same idea goes for friendships and personal interest. There is a saying ‘Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket’.
  • Get rid of things that make you fragile. Certain people, things and habits make us vulnerable and create losses for us. Try to get rid of them.
  • ‘This moment comes only now and won’t come again’. Instead of thinking too much about the past or future, make the most of what you have today.


Thank you for reading!

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