When Barb and I got married in May of 1992, we didn’t have a lot of time to celebrate. We had to drive from Tennessee back to California quickly but managed to take some time along the way to do some sightseeing. One of our stops was to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
I’m terrified of heights. Flying doesn’t bother me now since I’ve done it for so many years, but anything else is a different story. In fact, after 9/11, I had a nightmare where I was on top of the World Trade Center and our then two-year old daughter Allison was running along the edge yelling “watch me daddy!” but in the dream I was too paralyzed with fear to try and stop her. So, when Barb wanted to go up to the top of the Arch, I was hesitant. But, not wanting her to think she married a total wimp, I gritted my teeth and off we went.
To get to the top, you get stuffed into what looks like an oversized clothes dryer. Then, on a four-minute ride that seemed like 40 to me, the little capsule goes up and rotates back and forth in order to compensate for the curve of the arch. Thankfully I’m not claustrophobic because the combination of that with fear of heights would be pure torture. Then of course when you get to the top, you can see out by leaning over onto some windows. I looked once and was done. Did I mention the Arch sways too when it’s windy? I was quite happy when the tour was over.
It’s been over 30 years since that day (and in an interesting twist, our now adult daughter Allison lives in St. Louis, not far from the Arch) but I still can’t forget that four-minute ride up in The Dryer. But maybe it’s for a good reason. The Dryer is a great example of a Tuning Change. If it didn’t rotate as it went up the Arch, those of us in The Dryer would spend four minutes trying desperately to stay in our seats as that Dryer wouldn’t account for the curve. By rotating, the ride is smooth.
In our series on Change, we’ve explored both Re-creation and Adaptation change. Both of those are reactive changes, but this week we want to look at a proactive change.
Musicians tune their instruments before they play. We tune our cars periodically to keep them running well. Tuning ensures whatever we are getting ready to do will happen successfully. Why not then use that approach to deal with change?
Since change is inevitable, maybe it wise to anticipate upcoming changes and begin “tuning” now to prepare for them.
- We keep hearing a recession is coming. For a tuning change it would be wise to start saving money, and stop impulse purchases.
- When we hear layoffs are looming, either start demonstrating your value or “tune” up your resume.
- If you find out you have some health concerns, start “tuning” your health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition strategies.
Change is inevitable. It happens whether we want it or not, and whether when we’re ready for it. Since both Adaptation and Re-creations are so tough, why not “soft land” upcoming changes now by proactively tuning yourself in preparation?