by Lisa Griffiths

Created on: March 10, 2010

Some people are forced to change their lives, and some people have change thrust upon them. At times, some of us have the option to experience change, or not.

Either way change is inevitable and human being can change the way they are. However, since change is a choice, it may be dependent on whether or not it is a greater risk than remaining static.

Belief that leaping into change is risky will cause many to avoid any efforts towards change and they will prefer remaining fixed, believing is has greater value—even if it is negative.

At times, the power of the human fight-or-flight response can be activated to fight for change, but that will only engage with the perceiving it as necessary. Therefore, it is must be accepted that the need for change is not easily accepted.

Zen philosophy suggests attempting to break free from the limitations of everyday logical thought is the first step to enlightenment, which allows for change. In order for an individual to make attempts to change thought, as well as learned behavior, he must first become aware of the necessity to change.

As humans, we are social creatures; therefore, we remain linked to those we know, those who have taught us, those with whom we are familiar—at times to our own detriment.  This loyalty, if you will, is part of who we are. 

If you ask people to make a change, as rational as that change may seem, you will be asking them to go against all that makes us who we are, all those loyalties to those who taught them and share an alliance with the way things are. 

Perhaps as one follows the path to change, it becomes necessary to acknowledge and respect those whom have been so influential. This may alleviate feelings of betrayal that might come from moving away from these individuals.

Some individuals, who may be bound to negative influences, have no role models with whom to relate in order for awareness to develop. Without such role models, no glimpses of the necessity to change are even observed.

This could be a pivotal point for some to even consider change. Observational learning may be vital to enlighten and promote change.

Observing alternatives to attitude and behavior that are unacceptable, or, at the least, less than positive, may assist an individual in perceiving the possibility of change. However, this may prove to be extremely difficult, but with consistent efforts and the fact the human beings are capable of change, positive role models may invoke the desire for change.

Basically, when an individual makes an effort, more actions of positive attitude and behavior will go further in promotion of change. With the human ability to change, it is simply a matter of bringing the necessity to change to the forefront.

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