The long-anticipated arrival of spring weather has me
challenging old assumptions and behaviors. As I open up windows to let the
fresh air breeze through my home, I find myself compelled to move things around
and clean places and objects I haven’t paid attention to in awhile. I took great pleasure in taking my washing
machine apart and cleaning the insides with a toothbrush!
I sometimes hear organizational leaders say they don’t want
“change for change’s sake,” or that they prefer to “let sleeping dogs lie.” Their
comments cause me to reflect on my own behavior—does spring awaken in me an
urge to make unneeded change and wake up peacefully sleeping dogs? Yet, as far back as human behavior has been
recorded, there are records of cleaning rituals in spring. I feel energized by the promise of warmer
weather to shake out the cobwebs and try new things, as well as rearrange old
ones. There is something cleansing about
the ritual of getting rid of clutter and tackling projects that I have gotten
comfortable neglecting during the busy winter months.
Whether it’s in your own life or in your organization, why
not use the promises of spring to play with variations on the patterns in your
life? While you are at it, sweep out
those dark corners where dirt and stale energy have been collecting. Take
advantage of the spirit of the season, awaken and energize your sleeping dogs,
and get ready for all the new challenges and opportunities awaiting you the
rest of the year. A fresh perspective will
revitalize your focus and enable you to proceed toward your goals with greater
harmony.
