Testing these prototypes can make it easier to change
Change is a concept that is widely discussed and circulated. Change was one of the great slogans used by former American President Barack Obama in his second election campaign. Change is a revolutionary idea that everyone embraces. According to our interests, we can switch to better or better. The term change is used to denote change for the positive good.
It is good news that many training programs are being conducted to encourage and change ourselves and change in our society. It aims at a change from the current economic, social, political and cultural situation to a better one. Standing still in anything will never lead to progress. But when you consider the fear of change and the comfort of being in the status quo, change is not so easy.
Mental change is important
Conceiving is the key. Childbirth will somehow happen when it’s time. So is the mental change. If the sculpture of change is formed in the mind, the sculpture will exist. This is the basic principle of all inventions. Nothing happens in the world without being formed in the mind. So the most important thing is to have a mental change.
Physical change is relatively easy. For example, suppose a housewife decides to keep her household items neat and orderly. It can be done quickly in a few days. Is it not like such a physical change, to change the character of that housewife? It is very difficult.
A warrior can bravely face the enemy army. But it is not possible to change his bad habits like smoking overnight. It takes patience, perseverance and determination to change one’s behavior, character and outlook. Only then will progress be made. The famous British writer Bernard Shaw said: “Progress without change is impossible. Those who cannot change their own minds cannot change anything.”
Seize opportunities
When a person is thinking of changing, he may face many difficulties and obstacles. Still he must not withdraw from it. Rather, he should believe that he has a good chance of progressing mentally, spiritually, and socially. Make the most of this opportunity. Because nothing is perfect, right? So change is as inevitable as it is for humans. Don’t hesitate when you get the chance. We should take this as an opportunity and move forward.
Change instead of change
Let us illustrate with an example that there is no substitute for change. If one gets into debt due to overspending, how should one overcome it? One way is to change the way we spend. Another way is to generate revenue. Or he may be prosecuted and jailed. So it is not possible to solve the problems we face without making some changes in our behavior.
A change in our behavior and lifestyle is essential. The education that shapes it also needs change. Two things need to be taken care of for the change to happen.
- Determination to change. Change is a matter for the individual to decide. The horse must decide whether the horse wants to drink water.
- Have a clear vision of what you want to change. Accurate knowledge of the target. A decision to stand still without change will pay a heavy price.
Prototypes
If you ask how to change, you will feel a great emptiness. Where to move is a very personal decision, but here are some pointers on how to move when faced with some practical problems. You can decide in advance what you want to change and how you want it to be. A stereotyped method cannot be adopted for change.
Take the case of a university student. He wants to get high marks in studies. Like other students, he understands that it requires hard work. So he must first decide what changes he needs to make in terms of changing his learning environment. If he is determined, or committed to change, he can change by creating convenient changes.
If his studies are hindered by domestic security, the study should be shifted to another convenient place. If extra reading is required to get higher marks, he can resort to public reading room or library. Establishing friendships with students who are of high academic standards will result in a positive change in him. Through this association he knows how to be a hardworking student. He should read biographical works of gurus and great personalities who have made unique contributions. Through that he can understand how they got to the top.
Let’s look at another thing that seems to need change. Suppose a sinful man desires to return to Allah in repentance, to strengthen his faith and to improve himself. What should he do? If such persons are living in an evil environment then their life needs to be uprooted from it and changed to a pious situation. If possible, it is best to move the accommodation near the mosque. Avoid association with evil persons and make friends with persons of good character. His involvement in Jiva Karunya voluntary service activities and his befriending of morally committed people will turn out to be a turning point in his life.
Let another person want to lose weight. There are very easy solutions for that too. He should avoid open buffet where he can eat healthily. Minimize invitations to parties. Avoid eating with obese people. If you join them, you will be motivated to eat more. If you get married, marry a peasant woman.
These are just a few examples of practical methods of change (Prototype). It is up to him to decide what to change in his life. Let’s take a step forward on the great path of change by adopting the above-described method as an example. If you decide to change yourself, it means you are starting to change the world. The Qur’an reminds us of nothing else: ………Allah will not change the condition of any nation; Until they change their condition themselves……… (13:11).