Change Requires Escape Velocity

Think about change for a moment. Change is a word and a concept that often immobilizes even the most goal-oriented, determined and successful people among us.

Think of a happy circumstance you are experiencing right now or the flush of pride over some recent accomplishment. The reality is that something had to change for you to create and enjoy the new experience.

In physics, escape velocity refers to the speed needed to “break free” from a gravitational field. A rocket ship leaving the surface of the earth requires about 11.2 kilometers per second (km/s) of velocity to counteract the effects of gravity. Interestingly, the further away you get from the source of gravity, the less energy is required to “pull away”.

All objects on the Earth have the same escape velocity. But, what is different is the amount of energy needed to accelerate objects of greater mass to achieve escape velocity.

In just the same way, to change any circumstance in our life, we must have sufficient thrust and constant momentum to break free of the conditions that are keeping us in their hold and not allowing us to discover something new. Just like the Earth’s gravity, we have habits and slips in our forward momentum that keep us locked in place. Just like the rocket ship, we must have some required minimum amount of acceleration to move us toward our hoped for destination.

It could be the desire to quit smoking, eat better, improve your company or the need to change relationships or careers. You’ll need to line up your reasons, confirm your motivations and get into action in a manner than allows you eventually to break free of the pull of your current situation.

A rocket ship needs to be designed properly to accomplish its’ mission and get into space. It takes science, engineering, physics and technology. To achieve your life’s mission, and get into your proper orbit, it will take no less combination of important factors. Just so you know, for us humans, those things will be thoughts, expectations, choices and attitudes. How well are you constructing your “ship” to create the change you want and deserve?

What's Harder? Bringing Home the Bacon or Cooking It?

My wife returns tomorrow from the first real, extended, separate vacation in our marriage. She’s in Denver visiting a friend and I’ve had complete control of the ship (eight kids) for 5 days now.

Everyone (mostly women) I’ve seen the last few days have asked one-half compassionately and one-half snickering – “how’s it going? Are you doing OK?” “Piece of cake” is my standard answer.

This is in NO way to diminish the challenge, sacrifice and commitment of stay-at-home (or even more so – single) moms. Five days does not equal five weeks or five months or five years. But, in my very brief assignment of being in charge of “things”, I know what my choice would be between primary care-giver and sole-provider.

This week I’ve; applied band-aids, done homework, cooked meals, visited grandparents, done laundry, negotiated sibling disputes, driven kids to various activities, and given and gotten lots of hugs and kisses.

Last week I; negotiated contracts, went to networking events, handled customer complaints, dealt with disgruntled employees, managed the unrelenting pressure of “making the numbers” and shaved regularly.

I’m certainly not suggesting that the “grass is greener” in any direction. It has always been and will always be what each of us makes of our unique circumstances. But, Just So You Know - given the choice of catching the food or cooking it, after some significant, dedicated time really doing both – I think I know which one has more rewards, more impact and the most meaningful benefits for everyone involved, in both the short term, and, long-run.