From this week’s business headlines: Crypto-currency might now be allowed as an asset, not as a currency…1 in 3 workers don’t want to return to their offices in a post-Covid economy…inflation is rising, yet more people are quitting their jobs than ever…and every week there is a new app or tool for us to use and manage our business and personal lives.

Welcome to the ever-changing world of business.

As technology, politics, culture, and the economy have advanced, we have altered many of our organizational practices. But change can be overwhelming and scary. So much change has happened that many of us are left wondering what’s next? It is hard for some people to change, especially when the new approach is so different from what they are used to.

But change doesn’t have to be painful – it can open our eyes and help us create more of what we want.

Technological advancements, like the internet and smartphone apps, give us all kinds of opportunities to improve ourselves, organize ourselves, and work together. But all this change does not come for free. It has a cost — and if we’re not ready for change, it can be hard to deal with the negativity that often accompanies it.

Change is complicated — yet no one wants to feel out-of-touch or left behind. Many of our organizations have been slow to update practices and strategies. And we’ve all seen changes that no one wanted — or changes that did not come quickly enough to remain competitive. On a personal basis, you and I have had to change too. But change does not have to be scary.

Change can be distressing, but the change that comes from within might be most important. Change can show us what we want and need in our lives.

Here are some points to remember about change:

• change can be bad or good
• change isn’t always easy to embrace
• change should challenge our current way of thinking and doing things
• change doesn’t have to be as scary — if we make it a conscious choice of action, instead of being overwhelmed by uncertainty
• change is a natural part of life
• change can be powerful and productive if we change our perspective and embrace change as positive
• change opens doors, new opportunities, and new discoveries
• change makes us stronger and better equipped to handle the future

And this is the most crucial aspect to remember in these changing times:

Just because the world is changing does not mean we have to alter our values, morals, and work ethic.

Certainly, we want to continue to be relevant in a rapidly changing world — but we do not have to sacrifice our values to get there.

When you have clarity (the first Cornerstone of Distinction) about what you are…and what you are not, as well…you can roll with the changes as you improve and enhance your business and career.

Review and enhance your values in this ever-shifting world — then keep the change!