During my end-of-year reflections, I discovered three books I read in 2017 have strong connections to change, specifically how we come through any change more resilient. Here are three quotes I found especially powerful:
#1 - Change Takes Time
"Everything takes longer than it does" is an Ecuadorian proverb, which succinctly encapsulates how difficulty it is to keep any change effort on schedule. When it comes to leading change, it is critical we leave space for the unexpected. If we don't, we will quickly become flustered when our original change agenda doesn't work out as planned.
Book Source: Margin By Richard Swenson
#2 Learn Through Failure
Instead of fearing failure, startup expert Eric Ries challenges us to ask "What valuable truth did you discover about your present and future prospects by failing?" For successful change leaders, failure isn't an excuse to give up, but an opportunity to learn. They know making adjustments is critical, but first they must be brave enough to to focus on the process of learning, instead of craving instant success.
Book Source: Disrupt Yourself by Whitney Johnson
#3 Change Leaders are Humble
Author Rick Warren notes, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less", which provides critical clarification on humility. It is easy to see how humble people lack excessive ego and focus on the larger goal. However, what's less obvious is the importance of maintaining a healthy view of their own strengths. Without it, people either "go quiet or go loud" about their accomplishments. The root is the same, however, because both hold a low view of their own strengths.
Book Source: The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni
As you think about the changes in your life - either those you've faced in 2017 or those before you in 2018 - I'd love to hear how these three quotes strike you. How do they help you think about making the most of the change in your life?
