Change

"Change”

By: Laura Zielske


The words to a popular country music song titled “Time Marches On” sung by Tracy Lawrence go “The only thing that stays the same is everything changes” (Lawrence). What is the hardest thing to do? Although the answer to this is different to everyone, the idea of “Change” can be very difficult for even the most optimistic and seemingly willing participant. To “Change” oneself, that is, to alter one’s course, position or direction may be difficult but it is certainly necessary as the song indicates. Whether change is required in a relationship, an opinion, a vocation, or on a more macro level (for instance government), change is difficult if not impossible to accomplish and can come with psychological issues as well as an uncomfortable decision making process. To transform or convert oneself requires an individual to step outside their comfort zone in order to “change”. This often requires much introspection and time. It’s difficult to admit you or your thought processes may be flawed. You may try with all your heart, but if you do not believe change is necessary, change will not come.

What about changing your name, your very identity? As in when a woman gets married. To take on a new name is in essence taking on a new identity. Now that is a tall order. Some either don’t change their name or choose to hyphenate their new surname. To see yourself as only part of a whole identity is exciting but can also be a struggle for many. Making this transformation isn't as easy as it seems as evidenced by America's high divorce rate.

People’s opinions are sometimes the most difficult thing to change for some individuals. The thought of meaningful debate is frowned upon by some. They believe their opinion is the only solution leaving no room for other ideas. Thankfully, not all people are so stubborn and the reasonable ones with open minds are able to consider an opinion different than their own. So there’s hope change of opinion is possible.

Changing one’s address also presents a unique set of problems. Just when you have all your stuff in just the right place, inevitably time moves on and change requires you to move on to new surroundings as well. Finding a new place for all those belongings and then remembering where you put them is a transition that takes time. Why does change make us so uncomfortable?

With so many corporations downsizing and reducing their workforce over the last 30 years, many individuals have experienced change whether they asked for it or not. The job you were once so right for now no longer exists and you’re left to flounder around finding where you now belong. The book titled “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson so aptly addresses coping with career change (Spencer). By “finding one’s cheese” change can be possible. Changing the self-image is a difficult thing to address and it takes time and sometimes counseling, not to mention retraining. And just when “change” is in full swing, and you have a new job, more change is required to learn your new surroundings, processes and procedures.


The buzz word of the 2008 elections was “Change”. The excitement felt by so many that “change” was possible resulted in getting voters to the polls like never before, especially younger people. Openness typically increases during a person’s 20s and goes into a gradual decline after that. Change really is desirable even though it’s so hard.

In the end, for many people, maintaining the status quo is far easier than attempting the unknown and unchartered world of “Change”. It’s like you have to throw away your favorite blankey or part with your lucky shirt. Whether you’re changing your name, yourself, your sense of self or your surroundings, or just hope for “Change”, keep an open, optimistic mind and push forward in the name of “Change”. Seriously, what is the alternative if we do not change? Avoiding change can cause even bigger problems as well as lost opportunities. But as the country song reminds us change is inevitable.

Works Cited

Lawrence, Tracy. "Time Marches On." The Soundshop Recording Studios and Tree Studio, Nashville, Tennessee, 1996

Johnson, Spencer. Who Moved My Cheese?: an Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life. New York: Putnam, 1998. Print.