Does Chance Come Before Change?

If this current election cycle taught us anything, it taught us people have strong opinions -- and those opinions drive a variety of human emotions such as, joy, sorrow, fear, courage, optimism, pessimism, and more. One of the central themes or questions that seems to be emerging is whether true change can take place, even more specifically whether the opportunity to change is warranted or deserved.

This is the question many people seem to be asking in terms of the president-elect, and at least one outlet of the mainstream media. Since the announcement confirming the results of the presidential election, a firestorm of opinion has been ignited on social media, particularly Facebook. Specifically, there are two questions that are emerging in one form or another. One side is asking: Why won't you give the president-elect, Donald Trump, a chance to prove he can be an effective president? While the other seems to be asking: Why should we give him a chance?

More recently The New York Times has issued an apology for its coverage of the presidential election and now wants, in the publisher's words, to "rededicate ourselves to the fundamental mission of Times journalism." The question the publisher seems to be asking is: Will you give us a chance to prove we can be fair and unbiased in our reporting? Based on the discussion running across social media, there is no clear consensus -- at least not yet.

So it seems that these two examples are pointing in the direction of the larger question and that is: Can change come before chance? Let's look at our own lives. One of the hardest things we can do is institute effective change in our habits, our thinking, and our actions. We often use the data we have stored in our experiences, opinions, and biases to ask ourselves the why should I or why wouldn't I question. If we calculate the risk based on the information we already have, we're probably going to make a predictable choice. While it seems to be safe, is it really in our best interest? Will we actually grow or become stagnant -- or worse yet, regress?

The unknown can be a scary place, but if we never step into it how will we ever develop the courage and the character we need to fuel our biggest and best accomplishments? How will the Times? How will the nation? In other words, how will we ever become the very best version of ourselves if don't pressure-test our system? The old adage says; ships are usually safe in the harbor, but that's not what ships are for. They can only fulfill their true mission and purpose if they face the uncertainty of the open sea. We can equip and extensively prepare ourselves -- and we should. But, at some point we need to take what we have out for a larger test. We need to take a chance to get the benefit of the greater change.

Does the president-elect, Donald Trump deserve a chance? Does the New York Times deserve a chance? Do you, in the successes and failures of your life, deserve a chance? That's up to you decide, but consider this: How will any of the above prove the ability to change if we don't provide the chance?

As always, your comments and opinions are welcome.

Also published on LinkedIn

Note: A special thanks to OldQuotes.com for adding the author's quote to its collection.