A co-worker recently stated to me, “The only thing that continues to stay the same … is change!”

In other words, no matter what policies or procedures look good or remain consistent for a period of time, change steps in and everything becomes different.

Sometimes change is needed.

However, at times, it is simply created to keep things from remaining the same or people from being complacent.

I once heard a pastor state, “The same ole, same ole creates the same results.” He added, “Strongholds are our houses of thought and we are expected to transform our minds by allowing ‘change’ to renew us.” Unfortunately, our mind is sometimes our warfare. It keeps us from reaping the positive benefits of life when we refuse to see things in a different light.

I’ve always said there is a difference between neat and compulsive, between smart and intelligent, and between lazy and slothful. To me, a neat person is one who likes order and cares about appearances. Yet, a compulsive person sometimes goes overboard trying to keep things perfectly in place. A smart person is someone who can make wise decisions, but may not be the brightest individual. A slothful person may appear lazy, but they are not. They are simply unmotivated or unsure about what to do in relation to certain areas of their life. If we are not willing to open our eyes and hearts to see what is keeping us from being successful—whether it be physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually—we must seek avenues of ‘change.’

Much change is taking place for many in today’s economy, in the White House, and within families. Women are experiencing much more progression today than in the past. Yet, how do progressive women come together to work towards common goals and issues? The president has issued a new health insurance reform that he feels is crucial to our long-term economic strength as a nation and improved unemployment rates.

Handling change poorly can drive a person crazy. Highly successful people know how to grab the right opportunities and steer clear of potential hazards. In order to accept change, one must create a vision with strategies and accomplish short-term wins until the difficult waves are behind you. Develop a sense of urgency to accept change and seek ways to become more successful.

Refuse to be less intelligent, slothful, or complacent.

 Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne. 

Her column regularly appears in the Daphne Bulletin and Spanish Fort Sun.