Why is Change So Difficult and What to Do About It

Why is Change So Difficult and What to Do About It

Posted on 14. Jul, 2009 by Robert Albanese

When it all comes down to it, the ability to ‘change’ or ‘not change’ is a function of possessing, or not possessing the will and focus required – Bob Albanese

Take for example the learning of a foreign language. Why is this challenging a task for most people? Basically, it is because words in new language sound different to those that we are familiar with and our natural tendency is to translate the new words, based upon our understanding of those that we already know. When we do this, we are essentially seeking to understand the “new” through the clouded lens of the “old.” Conversely, it is only when the learner can simply accept that the words are different and then focus on learning them on their own terms that the learning becomes easier, quicker and more enjoyable.

Another example can be found in the martial arts. One of the most interesting aspects of Martial Arts is the technique by which experts are able to “break the board,” by using one body part or another. We, outsiders, look upon this technique with awe and wonder how anyone could possess the strength to pull it off. In essence, it is not as much a function of strength as it is a function of focus. In breaking the board, the Martial Artist is taught to:

“Focus on a point beyond the board“

In focusing “beyond the board” the energy is concentrated beyond the point of impact. It is this, more than anything else, which creates the power behind the phenomenon. More than anything else, it is this focus along with the will to look beyond the obstacle at hand, that changes the disposition of “the board.”

It is time for the real estate industry to focus beyond the board. Let’s not settle for inertia, because our customers and clients are counting on us. Looking at the example of the Martial Artist, we know that necessary change is possible when we have the adequate will and the proper focus.

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4 Responses to “Why is Change So Difficult and What to Do About It”

  1. EJ Demers

    14. Jul, 2009

    Great Post Robert… I agree we all have to be changing. In the last 10 years we already have had a lot of change From the old MLS Books to putting it on the web, from the old bag phones to sending tweets..And I am sure We have ten times as much change to come in the next 10 years. So we all have to look beyond the board and embrace the change and not focus on remember when..

    Reply to this comment

    • Bob Albanese

      15. Jul, 2009

      EJ… Thank you for your comment. I couldn’t agree with you more. I believe that the most important thing is to begin to accept change “as being the norm,” and to expect that both our business and the world will continue to change at a rapid pace. If we can adopt that frame of mind, then change will simply become a normal part of our everyday lives.

      Bob

      Reply to this comment

  2. M Realty

    15. Jul, 2009

    I am excited for the technology of the next ten years, it has already changed the way I work so much I wonder how it will be in just a few short years. I bet that we will just carry around a portable tablet computer that takes care of everything in our daily lives personal and professional.

    -Tyler

    Reply to this comment

    • Bob Albanese

      15. Jul, 2009

      Tyler, That could very well be, or things could move in an entirely different direction. The fun in all of this is working with things as they emerge and finding ways to maximize the potential in every situation.

      The bottom line is that those who hesitate, lose.

      Bob

      Reply to this comment

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