We have all heard knowledge is power. That’s not true. If knowledge were power, everyone with an Internet connection and a library card would be living the ultimate life of their dreams.
Until knowledge is used in some way to cause a result or to impact change, it is actually pretty power-less. The alchemy, the true power, comes when knowledge is applied in a way that leads to transformation.
The dictionary defines transformation as a marked change in appearance or character, especially for the better.
Think of some of the great change agents in the last century — Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa. They didn’t possess secret or exclusive knowledge about human rights, personal dignity, or freedom yet they each took what they knew to be true, combined that awareness with passion and action, and changed the course of history. They moved from information to transformation — and from transformation to significance.
We can consider the implications of this in our own environments. We don’t have to look at anything as grand as changing the world — perhaps just our little part of it. Imagine the impact we can have with our health, relationships and our society when we are inspired to act on the information and knowledge we already possess. For instance, we already know it is important to eat well and exercise — will this be the time when we add a little action to our intentions and make a change? We already know our life is richer when we love and serve others. Will this be the time we add action to our convictions, nurture our personal connections, and become even more engaged in our communities?
Einstein stated that, “Nothing happens until something moves.” It is not always easy to overcome the security of our comfort zones. When our desire to stay within our comfort zone is combined with uncertainty and fear, the resulting inertia keeps us stuck.
Let’s see what we can do to break through these barriers:
Don’t over-prepare. Do your homework, yet be careful not to get stuck in this stage! There is a concept called the ‘minimum
viable product’ encouraging us to introduce a new idea or product with just enough features to effectively test it out, while allowing us to get out there quickly and get active as soon as possible! Don’t let analysis paralysis cause you to lose the moment and lose momentum.
Take action and take it early. This helps to blast through our comfort zone and inertia. Even little steps make a difference, so just get started! Each step informs, energizes and inspires the next, building more confidence and certainty with each new activity.
Remember there is no ‘perfect time.’ There will always be obstacles, challenges and gaps. Accept that this is the nature of change and make a commitment to move forward, pivot and adapt as required.
Live in the Present. An old Chinese proverb says “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” Don’t give up your second-best time because the first-best time has passed. Years from now, you’ll be grateful for the shade offered from the tree planted today.
Don’t be afraid of failure – go forward and fail forward fast! We all know the story of Edison refusing to consider his 1,000 attempts to create a light bulb as 1,000 failures. He instead referred to them as 1,000 necessary steps in creating a light bulb.
Perhaps it really is as simple as starting to take the necessary steps to act upon what we already know, what we already intend, what we already dream. Perhaps we already have the magic, just waiting to be recognized and demonstrated. Perhaps this is the moment, the season and our time.
Rhonda Latreille, MBA, CPCA
Founder & CEO
Age-Friendly Business
Fear of Injury
Some seniors may shy away from exercise and activity due to fear of injury. Studies show that younger persons are just as likely as older persons to experience activity related injury. Choosing the most suitable physical activity is the most effective strategy to minimize the risk of getting hurt.
Live In the Moment
“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.”
Dalai Lama
Appreciate Respect Value
Elevating the way the world sees and serves the age 50+.
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Jennifer Legge, Newsletter Editor for Age-Friendly Business®, Jennifer@AgeFriendlyBusiness.com
