Diplomacy with Cuba. More mobile devices than people on the planet. Cyber-attacks, not bombs, are the biggest threat to national security. Retailers such as Amazon delivering merchandise via drones. TV networks advertising when they actually have a scripted show.
Who woulda’ thunk it?
Back in early January of 1964, legendary songwriter Bob Dylan prophesied, “The times they are a changing.” He was certainly correct back then, on the verge of major changes such as the civil rights movement, the space race, Vietnam, the summer of love, and the cold war. Of course, the times were also a chagin’ in the 70’s. And 80’s. And 90’s. And 2000’s.
Today, the world is changing at a rate like none other in history. Advances in technology, geo-political turmoil, shifts in consumer behavior, currency instabilities. You name it, it’s a changin’.
The real question becomes: how fast are you changing?
Fluctuations create opportunity for those that seize them, while delivering turbulent misery for those that cling to the past. History shows us again and again that standing still is riskiest move of all. Today more than ever, living in a constant state of reinvention is mission-critical to your success in your company, career, and community. Bob Dylan nailed it with these poetic lyrics:
Come gather ‘round people, wherever you roam
And admit that the waters around you have grown
And accept it that soon you’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a changin’
As you begin the New Year, commit to being an agent of change rather than a purveyor of the past. Every morning when you wake up, the world has changed overnight. How you adapt to those shifts will define your success in 2015 and beyond. Change is inevitable; the sooner you embrace it, the more benefit you’ll derive.
The upcoming year can be your blank canvas of creative expression. A blank sheet of music, onto which you can create your masterpiece. Fluidity and adaptability will become your primary building blocks as you leverage the rapidly changing world to enable your best year yet.
Dylan’s words are as relevant today as they were 51 years ago. Yes, the times they are a changin’. Are you?