The dinosaurs had to lie down and give up simply because they could not take the heat. Their strength humbled, their existence wiped out, they had been confronted and defeated by Change. With a capital C.

Individual men and women have evolved with the rapidly changing society, embracing new attitudes, developing new skills. Positive thinking is the new mantra chanted across nations. A catch phrase that helps every person cope with any situation.

This willingness and ability to change becomes especially important in a country such as Mauritius where growth and progress are exponential. Being able to change, and grow, inevitably becomes the most important instrument for success.

<B> Careers</B>

So, can you really change the person you are, moving towards happier relationships and brighter careers by keeping pace with the world? Or are you bound by the characteristics you inherit?

“ For me, an individual can change totally, by 100 per cent. He can change his attitude, his relationships, his skills, his motivation.”

The person can set higher goals and achieve them as long as the goals are personal, practical, positive, time-bound, flexible and measurable. He can learn to be more assertive, more effective. He can sharpen his memory and improve his speaking skills. In fact, he can change his entire personality.

Physical characteristics can be changed as well. Weight can be lost or gained, hair can be restyled, make-up, in extreme cases plastic surgery can highlight good features and subdue poorer ones.

<B> Motivation</B>

But no change can happen without motivation. Motivation is the key. “ The key lies within. A change has to be internal. I can talk to you about change, but unless you decide to take it on board and change, no one can do anything.” Once a person does decide to change, the sky is the limit.

The ability to change is the vital ingredient for success. Not just for individual success, but for the success and perpetuation of society as an entity. Everyone changes, but the range of change is different from person to person. To succeed and to adapt, you can change in pace with a rapidly moving society. Society itself remains integrated because people change with it.

<B> Flexibility</B>

Being flexible and remaining open to change guarantees success both in inter-personal relationships and career. Being willing and able to change attitudes towards work and being ready to acquire new skills can be the two most important qualifications for a successful career anywhere in the world.

People can, do and should change. From developing better personalities to grabbing better jobs, we come full circle. That circle rolls endlessly towards a happier life and more fulfilling career. In the process ensuring that evolution continues and only the fittest survive. Or at least, prosper.

“ The biggest room in the world is the room of self-development”

<B>by Sandya LUCHOOMUN BOYGAH</B>