ARE YOU STUCK?

Do you feel that you are not getting anywhere near your dreams?  Do you feel things have been the same, the same tasks, same cubicle and coworkers for the longest time that you’re actually getting sick of it? 

This is a story I lifted from author Tony Buzan’s book “Embracing Change” here’s how it goes:

“An English Professor named Dr. Arbuthnot Thwaite prided in himself to have never been defeated in debates.  A man of high esteem and reputation he had no doubt that no person can match him in debating skills.

Imagine his consternation when he heard of a Zen Master in Kyoto, Japan named Hyakawa San who held the same undefeated reputation in the East.

Possessing a strong competitive spirit Dr. Thwaite flew halfway around the world to engage Hyakawa San and finally settle who is the best in debates and come out undefeated.  He deliberately checked in at the same hotel where Hyakawa San was to deliver a conference keynote.  He asked the organizers where he could find the Master and shortly enough he was shown to the outdoor garden where San was meditating near the side of a river. 

Oblivious to the tranquil surroundings Dr. Thwaite finally found his would be opponent sitting cross legged gazing into the river.  ‘Excuse me sir!’ proclaimed Arbuthnot. ‘Are you the famous Zen Master, Hyakawa San, who is undefeated in debate?’

Hyakawa San looked up, his hands lying calmly on his kimono and smiled at Thwaite. ‘Hai! I am Hyakawa San. Undefeated in debate!’

‘Excellent! said Thwaite. ‘I am Arbuthnot Thwaite, Senior Don of Philosophy and Logic at Oxford University. I, too, remain undefeated in debate.  I merely wish to know which one of us would remain undefeated in a private competition.  Coincidentally, the question I have prepared for you concerns the river.’  Thwaite exclaimed.  ‘Are you willing Hyakawa San to engage me in this debate?’

‘I would be delighted!’ said the Master.

Crouching down by the side of Hyakawa San, Professor Arbuthnot released the defining question: ‘My dear Hyakawa San, this is my question: Is it possible to step into the same river twice?’

Hyakawa San turned his head away from Thwaite, stared into the river and remained silent for five or so minutes. 

After this time impatient for his victory, Professor Thwaite said, ‘Come on, come on! enough of the delay, it’s time for your answer!’

Hyakawa San slowly turned and looked up with sadness in his face.  ‘Ahhh, he sighed, is it possible my esteemed opponent, that you do not know that it is impossible to step into the same river once?’    

Try to think and draw your own conclusions before reading further.

Why did Hyakawa San say that it is impossible to step on the same river once?

We always feel that things have always been the same for us; the same work, same office, the same finances, problems and lack thereof.  But what the Zen Master was pointing out to us was that you cannot step on the same river once because it is never the same the first time.  Once you have stepped on the river it is never the same again; it’s fluctuations, ebbs and tides makes it change it’s form continually. 

The same holds true with your environment.  Nothing is the same today as it will be five minutes later.  The climate changes, you age every second, things live and die, new ideas are created each and every time.

Now this may come as a shock to you but it is actually YOU who is not changing!

If you constantly wonder why you haven’t gotten that promotion, that pay increase or big break is maybe because you have been the same person ever since you started.  Have you grown your intellectual capacity?  Have you gained new ideas on how to improve your productivity?  Have you improved your people skills and your relationships with your customers and office mates?  If you haven’t, then it is no wonder why you’re stuck; you haven’t adapted to the changes in the environment that is constantly happening. 

I enrolled in graduate school for that very reason.  I had to evolve.  I had to grow.  The financial and physical requirements can be taxing at times but I knew that was the price I had to pay.  There was even a part of me that often resisted change.  Change can be painful, just ask anyone who has embraced the concept of the river. 

Are you open to change?  Well if you say you are, then you have to be open enough to accept the discomfort that comes along with it.  Create new habits such as reading.  Learn to compliment more.  Try to stretch the limits of your thinking.  Use your right brain.  Who knows, the opportunities you have been looking for are just waiting for that new you to go out and seize it!