Paradigm Shift

One of the topics for discussion during a workshop was - “Nothing is constant except change”.

A few weeks ago I was fortunate to read an interesting book explaining the impact of technology and its effect on people in different part of the world. Apparently technology has reduced the world in size and amazingly – the world is no longer round – its flat. Accelerating changes in technology requires each and every nation to rethink its strategy. Nations that are able to embrace and effectively adapt to these rapid changes are well position to achieve economic growth. In short – this called for a Paradigm Shift!

An individual can have a Paradigm Shift too. Please allow me the opportunity to share with you the “5 A” Formula for a successful Paradigm Shift.

Aware – being aware of the changes in our environment. We store photos in digital instead of printed format. We use PC to correspond instead of sending mails via postal office. We use plastic card to purchase goods & services instead of cash. We use internet banking instead of physically lining up at bank.

Acknowledge – we must accept, acknowledge and embrace these changes and its impact on our lives to be able to compete successfully. Today, there are more "Green Population" who are willing to switch to alternate energy source (beside oil) in our global effort to save earth from pollution. There is a growing Muslim market demands for “Halal” products and services aligned with Islamic value.

Acquire – to acquire new knowledge, skill and attitude empowering oneself the right tools to face changes successfully. New knowledge, skill and attitude can be effectively acquired through a regular and continuous learning process – ie reading books or attending trainings.

Adapt – utilizing newly acquired knowledge, skill and attitude to adapt to the changes. We know it is impossible for you to ride a bicycle if you have not learnt to ride a bicycle. You must know the rule of the game to be able to play effectively and successfully.

Achieve – using the “5 A” formula to compete and achieve successful result. Wise Gurus taught us that – “Old ideas will yield old results. New ideas will yield new results”.

A short story to reward you. Once there was this little cute puppy that attended a positive mental attitude course. He was so charged up after the course that he declared he want to break the world record by being the first puppy to walk across the Sahara desert. He started training – physically and mentally - in preparation for the journey. He solicited and received sponsors from established multinationals. Puppy was ready after 6 months of grueling training.

On that faithful launching date, all his relatives, friends, supporters and media turned up to lend their support. On site were RTM, CNN, BBC, STAR, New Straits Times, Utusan (and many more) all covering this historical event. At the launching pad, Puppy smiled, waved to the crowd and walked off with a large hover-sack on his back.

One week later – Puppy’s parent was worried as they receive no news from Puppy. His parent promptly hired a helicopter and set out to search for Puppy. After a frantic 10 hours search – they found Puppy in the middle of the desert. Puppy was motionless. The Parent landed the helicopter – rushed to Puppy and found him dead with all four legs facing the sky. The parent wrapped and bundled Puppy body - and flew to the nearest hospital.

At the hospital, 10 doctors conducted a post mortem to ascertain the cause of Puppy’s death. Two days later, the hospital called for a press conference to announce their findings. The 10 doctors declared in one voice that Puppy died because his urinary bladder was too full and burst. The relatives, friends, supporters and media were confused – how did this happen.

There was no fire hydrant in the desert and Puppy was unable to change his habit when peeing. The morale of the story is – change or die!