Will I Master Change, or Will Change Master Me?

by Dick Biggs

Life’s turning points are as sure as the tide Just a matter of when, so why not decide?

To embrace these transitions as ways to grow ’Tis folly to ignore what you already know.

Make a vow to adapt to the crises of life There’s no reason to suffer more stress or strife. Quite often change becomes a blessing in time While making you wiser in pursuit of your prime.

No change is impossible, no one is exempt You can step out in faith or shrug with contempt. Life comes in cycles, no two are the same To claim nothing’s new is a naïve game.

Some change is impractical, some things must endure You need worthwhile values, so profound and pure. Plus a noble purpose to guide you each day And give life meaning as you forge your way.

But most things do change, it’s a natural law You can believe this is truth or stand there in awe. It may be uncomfortable, it may cause pain— Won’t a regretful heart be a greater strain?

With every change, there’s an outcome to bear So accept the challenge, for life’s seldom fair. Be willing to risk and you’re bound to find More courage and strength from a positive mind.

Be bold, be daring, be receptive to change For most things are better when you rearrange. Get out of the rut, seek a new vitality Move beyond the old to a fresh reality.

Ah, life has turning points, they won’t disappear Rise up to greet them and conquer your fear. The choice is simple, it’s as clear as can be: Will I master change or will change master me?

In the end, that is really the question. You can allow change to get the best of you, or you can harness change and let it help make the best of you. To do that, you need to have a positive attitude about it. You need to keep relying on the difference maker.

John C. Maxwell, The Difference Maker: Making Your Attitude Your Greatest Asset (Nashville, TN: HarperCollins Leadership, 2006).