MyValueResearch

Change is mandatory… Progress is optional…

To change and to change for the better are two different things. We are constantly changing, be it a small change, such as the difference in our exact mindset, or profound, such as a move from one location to another, but in doing so, we are not always progressing. A poor man may become rich; through misfortune he may become poor again. His circumstances have changed twice, but he has seen no progress.

Progress simply means, “to advance towards a higher or better stage”, or say “ Progress is a change that benefits us” but a Change may take a positive step forward or may turn into a devastating step. There are aspects of human creativity that do not foster progress, though they may inaugurate change–permanent or temporary…like politics, arts and religion. A political system, for instance, may change from an absolute monarchy to a democracy; but it can also change back again. Similarly, it’s very possible for a progress to occur that, on a personal-level benefits us, but does not benefit the society as a whole. Or sometimes we do not agree with a policy, but it helps society as a whole. Progress is not the greed of one, which allows uncontrolled growth that destroys all the qualities of one’s life. Progress is about maintaining our values and ethics while recognizing that some change is inevitable, and that change can even be an improvement. Little steps can lead us to the path of progress like developing new skills and making perfect the existing ones, meeting like-minded activists or sharing experiences, inspiration and enthusiasm for taking action on the issues we really care about.

But what separates change from progress? Well, we can’t avoid change, it’s mandatory, and progress, however, is optional. Change is inevitable, but what often is overlooked is the fact that neither the passage of time nor change occurring guarantees progress. The challenge is to work towards making inevitable change a positive step — whether it’s in our business or our personal life.

The true factor in progress is character. Character is one’s ethical strength, the ability to judge things unbiased, the capacity to break beyond the bounds of common thought and excel to the best decision overall. When the opportunity to change comes about, it’s up to the individual to take a grasp on that change, and rather than idly sit and allow it to alter him or her.

Change requires nothing, it happens on its own. Progress requires character…therefore, to maintain Progress and advance the pace of positive Change; all of us who strive to improve the lives of people and the nation, must bring to bear the maximum measure of our creativity, skills, resources, and dedication for the mutual benefit…benefit by reacting to change in a positive way.