Change is the linchpin of transformation, from current state to new - by S

Chosen Topic:

Transformation

'N' Level student-inmate from institution TM1

2nd Prize

Is rock bottom or a catastrophic event the only way a person comes to a defining moment for personal transformation? In my opinion, change is the linchpin of transformation, from current state to new. With the intention of new being better. It is an ongoing process rather than an end per se.

Turning back a few chapters in time, my personal transformation journey was marred with risk and difficulties. On one hand it was painful when things did not work out despite my best efforts, considering success is the metric by which we are all judged. On the other hand, success to transformation brings huge opportunities, so it is exciting and evolutionary … sometimes revolutionary. From quick to unbearably slow. It does not happen by itself. It is not that simple because transformation requires commitment and hard work, often more so that was initially expected.

In hindsight, although willingness to transform was vital — sheer willingness is unfortunately not enough as many people would attest. Many have embraced change (myself included) but have floundered in the throes of its rigors. Why? One reason could be because we have too many irons in the fire. In other words, we did not have a smart plan and our changes did not match the changing conditions we found ourselves in. Most importantly, we did not review our plan when things got tough and alas ended up a flash in a pan.

Having said that, do we throw in the towel when things head south or accept that setbacks are the condiments that give success its flavours? Guaranteed, it is tempting to give up than to remain steadfast and unwavering in the face of challenges. However, that would only short-change our own growth. Let alone berefting us on lives enriching experiences.

As such, I doubt without getting the basics right, the rest would fall into place. To this end, I now believe that education is key towards transformation. Sound education is that which cultivates and develops the mind. How well educated a person is, is measured in brief, by how he/she thinks. Education molds our mind, stretches and trains it to meet new situations. We learn to think critically and solve problems in the process. Ergo, anything that improves our thinking abilities, in my view, certainly helps us to be a better version of ourselves.

In conclusion, it is apt to end with this profound quote by Albert Einstein who once said “we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them and expect a different result”.