Feature Article: Implementing and Coping with Change by Kevin Houchin
“It gets better, but before it gets better, it gets different. And different is never comfortable.”
A friend recently shared that statement with me, and it stuck because it shows how to approach and cope with constant life changes. If you’re not changing, you’re not alive. You’re missing the point of being on the planet. You’re missing the experience. Change brings experience. Change is almost always uncomfortable initially, so let’s take a look at what’s involved in the conscious type of change.
Inventory
A business goes broke if it doesn’t take inventory. So do we. We need to take a regular inventory of our feelings and goals and see where we need to invest. This review of how things are right now, compared to where we want to be brings an awareness of what we need to do.
Awareness
Awareness of issues, problems, and tools isn’t comfortable. Awareness reminds us that we are not living up to our ideals. It’s a matter of faith and spiritual development to understand that we will never measure up to our ideal, we can only hope for constant progress toward that idea. If we’re never aware of the issue, problem, or tool, we can’t move toward the ideal, but before we can take any action, we first must decide to change.
Decision
Making a decision---not just considering something---is one of the most powerful moments of human experience. We have to decide before we can act, and until the moment of decision, there can be no real change, progress, or improvement.
Action
Three frogs sat on a log. Two decided to jump off. How many are left? Answer: 3. A decision without action creates no actual change. Once we’ve made a decision to consciously change something, we need to spring into action immediately to begin the measurable process of change.
Discomfort
And then it hits. You’re out of your comfort zone. You’re acting. It’s different, and different is never comfortable. This discomfort scares most people into inaction. Fear of the discomfort of change, the not knowing, trusting, and faith that the outcome will be better, no matter the outcome, is scary for most people. That’s why people don’t like change.
Resolution
Eventually, the mud we’ve stirred up in the process of making conscious changes settles. The Tao speaks of this when it asks if you can wait patiently for your mud to settle. Before something can settle, it must be agitated. There must be the swirl and flux and discomfort of the process of living. Then it will resolve and you’ll be moving into the next phase of your life.
When you can welcome the discomfort as an affirmative sign that things really are changing and have faith that the outcome will be for the best (and better than the current stasis), you may just be able to leave fear behind forever.
How freeing would that be?
Kevin Houchin is a lawyer, graphic designer, husband, father and creative spirit. In his law practice, Houchin & Associates P.C., Kevin advises creative people on how to maximize creativity, build businesses, and protect intellectual property. He is also the founder of The Space Between Center for Creative Spirit in Business, a unique mentorship program designed to equip, inspire and position lawyers and other entrepreneurs to attract and serve their ideal clients in the information age. From vital flat-fee billing schedules to advanced internet marketing strategies, no subject is left uncovered in this groundbreaking mastermind program.
Did you know that Stu licenses his artwork for use in newsletters, presentations, print publications and on websites? He even offers special rates for student and teacher use.
You can also purchase original artwork and custom prints (framed or unframed) from Stu.
Timesheet readers get 15% off all licensing orders, original artwork and custom prints (use coupon code BILLHOUR). Click here for information on licensing or purchasing IRS Got Here First, other tax law and IRS cartoons, or any of the hundreds of images Stu offers. For more information on original artwork and custom prints, click here.
Cartoon: Courtoons
by David Mills
Courtoons are the creation of David Mills, an Ohio appellate lawyer who works with litigants and law firms involved in civil and criminal cases in federal courts across the country. Visit David's law firm website at www.MillsFederalAppeals.com
Mark F. Bernstein is a lawyer, cartoonist, writer, historian and producer. He is the author of five books on politics and sports, contributor to numerous national magazines and co-producer of the feature-length documentary film "8: Ivy League Football & America." You can find out more about Mark and his current projects at www.MarkFBernstein.com
Video of the Month: Con Luv—The Virginia Law Libel Show
To watch more hilarious law-related videos from around the web, join us at The Video Venue!
Suzan Charlton is a professional cartoonist who is rumored to practice insurance coverage law as a hobby for a major Washington D.C. law firm. Her cartoons cover a wide range of law-related topics, from law school grades to law firm romance.
Song of the Month: The Jury Sleeps Upright
by Biob Noone & the Well Hung Jury
In the courtroom, the quiet courtroom
The lawyers speak today
As they mention their grand intentions
The jury slips away
Hear the witness, the expert witness
He’s talking for a fee
See the lawyers, the judge and jurors
They’re drifting off to sleep
I’m awake! I’m awake! I’m the only one awake!
Hush, please whisper so you won’t disturb
This quiet, peaceful sight
Look around you don’t make a sound ‘cause
The jury sleeps upright
I’m awake! I’m awake! I’m the only one awake!
Just one of the hilarious songs on
Cartoon: Law and Disorder
by Paul Brennan
Cartoon: Jonny Hawkins Collection
by Jonny Hawkins
Did you know that Jonny licenses his artwork for use in newsletters, presentations, print publications and on websites? He even offers special rates for student and teacher use.
You can also purchase original artwork and custom prints (framed or unframed) from Jonny.
Questions? Need Help?
Double-click this button
to be connected to
Customer Service
Take a close look!The dials of our watches and clocks are marked in tenths of an hour—the same way many lawyers, paralegals and law clerks bill for their time.
