There’s certainly no lack of content, these days, on uncertainty and change, as millions of people are launched on involuntary adventures and hero journeys. Here are just a few sources for some additional, thought-provoking reading on the subject, and on dealing constructively with these constants of life.
Note that this page contains affiliate links to Amazon.com.
Books
Surviving Uncertainty: Taking a Hero’s Journey
by Lane Wallace
Written by No Map. No Guide. No Limits founder Lane Wallace, Surviving Uncertainty: Taking a Hero’s Journey is a manifesto and guide to surviving uncertain times, based on lessons learned through real-life adventures ranging from being stranded on a glacier high up in the Alps (in shorts and tennis shoes) to fighting debilitating fear in deteriorating weather while flying over the mountains. – LW
When Things Fall Apart
by Pema Chodron
Pema Chodron is an American Buddhist nun. She is also, clearly, a
very wise woman. When Things Fall Apart offers psychological and philosophical, and spiritual advice for those times when life pulls the ground out from underneath our feet. Thought-provoking and comforting, all at the same time. – LW
Change or Die: The Three Keys to Change at Work and in Life
by Alan Deutschman
Alan Deutschman expands his discussion (see “Change or Die,” in Articles below) of why change is so hard—but why embracing it can be so rewarding and liberating—in this well-written, engaging book about changing yourself, a company, or even an industry. – LW
Self-Renewal: The Individual and the Innovative Society
by John W. Gardner
Gardner is a poster child for a life well lived. The Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under President Johnson, Gardner went on to have career after career, accepting a new job at the age of 76 and teaching at Stanford University well into his 80s. And the genius of his book Self-Renewal, originally written in 1964 and reprinted in 1995, is how eternally relevant it remains. Gardner doesn’t just accept change. He celebrates it, arguing that change and constant reinvention and renewal are essential for both humans and societies to remain vibrant and alive. “Men and women of vitality,” he says, “have always been prepared to bet their futures, even their lives, on ventures of unknown outcome.” (Gardner gave a great speech about this subject in 1993. Read an excerpt.) – LW
Five Frogs on a Log: A CEO’s Field Guide to Accelerating the Transition in Mergers, Acquisitions and Gut Wrenching Change
by Mark L. Feldman & Michael F. Spratt
Question: Five frogs are sitting on a log. Four decide to jump off a log. How many are left? Answer: Five. Why? Because there’s a difference between deciding and DOING. The context of this eminently readable book may be mergers and acquistions, but the real subject matter is change. How to do it, and how to deal with tough changes and circumstances more effectively. (Tip #1: wrenching change is best executed at best possible speed.) Good material for any executive or business person facing a changing market and world. – LW
Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow
by Elizabeth Lesser
Elizabeth Lesser, co-founder of the Omega Institute, is a gentle writer. Mixing anecdotes of her own, along with those of people she’s encountered along the way, with poetry and philosophy, she provides comfort and wisdom for anyone navigating difficult times of loss or trauma. Sometimes, she says, it’s only when we’re broken open that we discover who we truly are. – LW
Articles
“Change or Die”
by Alan Deutschman
Join Alan Deutschman, a leading writer on change and innovation for a look at the science behind why change is so hard for us humans. From the May, 2005 issue of Fast Company magazine.
“Making Toast”
by Roger Rosenblatt
A moving tale of coping with unwanted adventure. Rosenblatt writes about coping with the tragic loss of his 38-year-old daughter and how he and his wife, who moved in with their son-in-law to help take care of the couple’s three small children, coped with the uncertain adventure of a drastically changed life course. A touching essay, by an acclaimed and brilliant essayist. You have to register with the New Yorker to read the full article, but it’s worth it.
“Order Out of Chaos: Embracing Uncertainty”
by Mel Schwartz
A short but thought-provoking essay by psychotherapist Mel Schwartz that explores why the words “order” and “chaos” have such power over us.
“Defining Moments”
by Mel Schwartz
Another great essay by psychotherapist Mel Schwartz, this one on the role of “defining moments”—those moments when we actually make commitments to our insights. “Defining moments,” says Schwartz, “are those in which we take full authorship of the script of our lives.”
“Why new year’s resolutions tend to fade and how to achieve them”
by Mel Schwartz
An insightful look at what neuroscience is confirming about why old habits die hard and how to make lasting change.
Web sites/blogs
Walk the Walk
Writer Alan Deutschman’s blog on leadership and change.
