Our lives are significantly unlike that of our parents’. We think differently, act differently, travel differently, and we work differently. Virtually everything about how we interact with world around us has changed in just one generation.

We’re bombarded with new ideas, new systems, new jobs, new technologies and new opportunities. The more we learn, more we realize how small our personal store of knowledge is in comparison to vast universe of data.

Most of change we’re experiencing is appreciated. We like most of what we see happening. While we enjoy many of these changes, there are other changes that are not so warmly embraced. There’s more uncertainty, less confidence and as a result more stress.

I’m a recreational sailor. There’s hardly anything I enjoy more than being out on water with wind in my sails. Sailing has taught me many things. Not least of which is a healthy respect for wind. You have absolutely no control over wind only way you use it. You must master your ability to handle wind, regardless how hard it blows or which direction it blows.

And change is like wind. It’s neither good nor bad. It just is.

But how we feel about change our attitudes toward it will have much to do with how well we navigate this turbulent sea of change. If we dislike change, resist it, ignore it or resent it, we will lose.

On other hand, if we use it to our advantage, we’ll benefit from it.

What’s your attitude toward change? What are your beliefs about change we see around us and change that surely lies ahead? When faced with something new and different, do you long for old way or do you look for what advantages this may bring to you, your family, your business.

Your answer may be different based upon type of change you face.

Choice or no choice If new situation is to your liking or a result of your own choosing, you will likely have a different reaction than if change seems forced upon you a new responsibility at work, a shopping mall going in next door or your spouse telling you they want a divorce.

On other hand, more power you feel you have over a given situation, easier it is to handle.

In 2000, we watched many of dot-coms become dot-GONES. One of reasons for this is that these companies were built without solid foundations. It's not only brick and mortar companies that need firm footings.

The emphasis today is on instant gratification. But if we want to build something of value, something that will last, we must build a foundation that will support our vision.

The quick fix, quick buck and quick solution will not endure. The individual who shoots to top of his or her field only to self-destruct is often victim of not having solidified values and structure to support stardom. It takes effort and it takes conviction, but rewards are worth it.

Keep Your Eyes on What You're Building There was once a man passing by a construction site. He stopped and asked one of tradesmen what he was doing. The worker replied gruffly, "I'm laying bricks, can't you see that?" The man watched a while longer and then asked another worker what he was doing. "I'm just earning a living," he replied. A third time man asked a worker and response was much different, "I'm building a cathedral."

No doubt personal happiness and quality of work from last man was much better than from first two.

And what about us? Are we just collecting a paycheck, doing drudgery work--laying bricks? Or are we building a cathedral?

By staying focused on what we're building and seeing task at hand as accomplishing that purpose, we'll gain greater satisfaction, our work will be lighter, and we'll create more excellence.