Lessons in IT Transformation: Technology Expert to Business Leader

When You Change, Your World Changes

This is the final thought I will leave with you for your consideration. I spent a lot of time over the course of my life and my career being unhappy about how other people were acting or living their lives. I spent a great deal of energy trying to change other people and get them to see the folly of their ways (and, of course, the brilliance of mine!). Whenever life was not going the way I wanted it to, I would blame other people for it and moan that if only they would change, things could be so much better.

I'm embarrassed to say that it took me well into my fourth decade of life to realize that, first of all, I had neither the right nor the ability to change anyone else. All people have the right to be who they are, see things the way they see them, and act the way they deem appropriate. No matter how stupid, wrong, or destructive they seem to me in my infinite wisdom, I have no right and very little ability to impact the way they think or act.

However, there is one person who I can change. That person is me. This is not an easy task, either, as I am set in my ways, have my own set of biases, and my own lenses through which I see the world. Anyone who thinks it's easy to change themselves should reflect back on how difficult a time they've had in changing their diet, breaking a bad habit, or modifying the way they interact with their significant other. No, changing yourself is certainly not easy. But at the end of the day, you are the only ...