ANCIENT& not so ancient WISDOM
offering a weekly positive perspective

September 9, 2004

What would you do to get what you want?

- Jeffrey Hansler (1957 - )

This is the single most important question to ask yourself if you wish to create change. It is a powerful question and one that few will answer, which may be why change is so often not accomplished.

Understanding the question is asked from a positive perspective, and not a question that infringes on or harms another, is paramount to understanding where the responsibility for change lies: within yourself.

The question is about a personal commitment to risk. What are you willing to risk? Seriously! I talk about and promote change; I provide communication skills to create change; and yet I am at a crossroad in areas of my own life in regards to change. It is very difficult to answer the question. It is even more difficult to commit to the answer.

Are you (am I) willing to risk failure, ridicule, frustration, financial loss, rejection, isolation, physical pain, mental pain, loneliness, loss, irreversible paths, and loss of personal self-esteem and esteem of others? These are the potential companions during the journey of change. Are you (am I) willing to journey with them to create change?

It would be easier to tread down a new path, unaware of what could befall you during the journey, yet it is rare that something truly valuable drops in your lap. It is much more common that you must journey down a path that has already brought you great pain and face the monsters that have triumphed over you before.

It is easy to see true change at this level is an act of commitment, courage, faith, and hope. In essence, it must be an act of love and when accomplished, it should be cherished for the great value it represents.

Wishing you courage on your journey of change.

Sincerely,