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“You can never step into the same river twice.” Heraclitus, Greek Philosopher
The river flows through the rocks and mud, forever changing the mountains, hills, and forest that may surround it. At times the stream may trickle, or it may rage turning into whitewater ravaging landscapes. The sound of river water moving can be soothing, other times, exhilarating.
The phrase “you can never step into the same river twice” refers to the notion that both the river and you are steadily changing. As time flows on, it seems like our river of change rages at white water speeds.
When I’m coaching teams, I share 5 things I’ve learned in navigating the river of change:
- Jump in and engage, even if the water sprays you in the face.
Grab your kayak, paddles, life jacket, and go! Just sitting on the riverbank will you get you washed away. Even if it gets messy and the river water sprays in your face, keep going.
- Change the “sets.”
We have the ability to adjust our own skill set and mind set to adapt to the changing currents. We may enjoy tubing down a calm river reading a good book and drinking a cocktail. But the river has a way of changing speed and abruptly shifting directions. Sometimes you have to set the now soggy good book, and river filled cocktail down, and learn how to paddle!
- You are not in the river alone.
Surround yourself with people who you admire and are supportive. Supportive people to keep close are those that hand you a life vest versus throwing you overboard. These may be people rafting right next to you in the same river. Or they may be found through online and networking sources.
- You can go far, through small paddles.
Reserve your strength and conquer the crazy river through smart paddling. Break things down into what you know and don’t know. Put your energy on what you do know and work the plan.
- Look for higher ground.
If the water is coming at you faster than imagined, resist staying under water in despair. Looking for higher ground can mean finding a different outlook, plan, job, career, and ultimately hope.
Despite having no control of life’s rivers, one thing is true, we can teach ourselves in how to navigate them.
