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The views expressed on this page are soley
those of the author and do not
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Do you fear
change?
By Melissa Martin
I gaze at the clock on my office wall. It is time for my next client,
Mr. Pie. As usual, he rolls in, plops into the overstuffed chair and
emotes. “I’m a crust with an identity complex and anxiety! I agreed to
the new cheese mixture, and even accepted the assortment of veggies,
and I conceded to the taco ingredients, even though I questioned
lettuce on a pizza. But I cannot accept barbecue sauce and chicken on
my dough! I’m angry!” Becoming red-faced he continues, “I don’t even
recognize myself anymore. Who puts pineapple on dough with tomato
sauce? It’s frustrating. A dipping sauce humiliates me. Stuffed crust
takes away my charm. What’s wrong with good ole pepperoni and authentic
sausage on thick crust with pure mozzarella and a delicate balance of
herbs and spices? It’s just not right!” He rambles on with his
exasperated lament.
I listen. However, Mr. Pie is stuck in a time warp. He fears change.
The timing is on target for more in-depth dialogue, Socratic
questioning, critical thinking, and reflection.
“Mr. Pie, please take a few deep breaths.”
“I told you to call me Pizza!”
As Pizza ages, he believes he is losing his edge with all the changes
in twenty-first century restaurant food. Pizza pines for the days when
lots of fresh ingredients and pride covered crusts.
Becoming less tense, he utters, “I feel like I’m losing control.
There’s a fly-by-night pizzeria on every corner using fake cheese!”
I decide to point out his fallacy. “Pizza, when did you ever have
control over America’s taste buds?” Puzzlement lifts his cheesy
eyebrows.
I continue, “Can you talk about what you fear will happen?” His
eyes tear up. “What if I’m replaced with super burgers, ultra tacos,
and mammoth hotdogs? Where will I go and what will I do?”
I address his fear. “You have fed lots of people, been invited to
innumerable birthday parties, ballgames, festivals. Kids love your
tasty slices. Adults love your tantalizing spices. And you are part of
food history. You are famous. You are loved by millions of eaters. And
yes, your ingredients are changing and you are evolving, but many still
love a good ole pepperoni and cheese pizza. You are one of a kind. The
thousands of pizza shops, pizzerias, and pizza concoctions are a
tribute to you.”
I reframe the situation by pointing out his past and current strengths.
I challenge his faulty belief system about control.
I tap into his creativity hoping to prompt risk and curiosity for
adventure. Pizza gains insight and an innovative way to look at change.
The following week Pizza arrives brimming with enthusiasm and a novice
idea. An entrepreneur spurt replaces fear. He shows me his new food
item, pizza-on-a-stick. Argh.
Myths about Change (or excuses not to change):
I’m too old to change because I’m set in my ways.
Changing takes too much energy.
Stubborn people can’t change.
Life would be smoother if others would change.
If I change, others will take advantage of me.
My supervisor and coworkers need to change, not me.
If I change things, I will fail.
Change is scary, but necessary. From cradle to the casket, we
experience change. Do you refuse to participate with change, roll with
change, or welcome change? Yes, I know it depends on myriad factors,
but overall how do you view change?
“Some people change when they see the light, others when they
feel the heat,” proclaims Caroline Schoeder.
Melissa Martin, Ph.D, is an author, columnist, educator, and therapist.
She resides in Southern Ohio. www.melissamartinchildrensauthor.com.
Contact her at melissamcolumnist@gmail.com.
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