"Progress is impossible without change and those who
cannot change their minds, cannot change anything.”
- GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

Change has a very negative connotation for most people. On a deep emotional level, we are creatures of comfort, and we automatically seek out what feels good in the moment. We long for comfort, usually from what we know is familiar. Once we can comfortably deal with and "know" all the "unknowns," we can "relax." Because your nervous system and mind are designed to find and attach meaning(s) to everything, something new is always a confrontation between what is and will be in your mind.

The unknown is always something that your mind and nervous system must "unravel" afresh, and this process feels uncomfortable on many levels. When something becomes comfortable, you get used to it as you remove all the "unknowns," and your automatic behavior can take over again. Our nervous system works primarily by conditioning, and we notice and assume consistent patterns by repetition. This system is there to serve us, helping us be more efficient and able to do more.
 
Your mind is designed to always look for the best way. We learn certain orders and sequences in which things happen and recognize and respond according to these sequences through repetition. Every emotion you experience, for instance, is nothing but the result of a sequence of events and reactions triggered by your unconscious awareness that generates and creates the actual feeling, which is nothing but a sensation in your nervous system.

To change anything, you must first be aware of these patterns. It would be best to become aware of what goes on under your conscious awareness. This is not difficult, and everybody can do it. You need not understand everything about the human nervous system to use it. Be aware of the fact that there is a part of you that responds and acts "automatically" based on your past experiences and associations. The challenge is to go from one pattern that does not serve you to one that does. You would have to change your mind in that you have to change how you perceive yourself and your life. Doing things differently will make you feel uncomfortable at first. Still, you can rest assured that the "uncomfortable" will become "comfortable" as you start forming new associations and patterns of association.

Making the "uncomfortable" comfortable or making the "unknown" known is how we grow as human beings. What you are comfortable with represents your comfort zone, including all the experiences you can comfortably deal with. If you don't expand this "zone, " you won't expand yourself. The need to grow and become more like a person is a deep emotional need all humans have. Without growth, you won't be happy. Although it feels uncomfortable at the moment, all growth always feels immensely fulfilling in the long term, and it is this feeling that we all crave, the feeling that we call "good." You can do something that feels comfortable and "good" at the moment by staying with what you know, but true fulfillment comes from pushing beyond your comfort zone and creating a sense of pride in yourself. Growth means change, which involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown.

The truth is that all of life is constantly in a process of change. Nothing ever stays the same. It is the nature of all of life, including you. Even if you do nothing, life will still change. To progress, you have to decide to initiate and create the change consciously. It would be best to consciously put yourself in the uncomfortable place where you can grow, and as you do this, you progress. Progress is by choice, while change is automatic. To be in control of your life, you have to consciously choose to change and keep changing yourself to become the person you want to be. 

All change starts with a change of mind. You have to start by changing your thoughts about what you want to change. In changing the way you think about something you immediately change your perception and, consequently, how you feel about it. When you change how you feel, you change your behavior, which is how you progress. Constantly trying to change behavior will rarely create long-term and lasting change. Change your mind, and the rest will follow! If you don't change, you won't grow; if you don't, you are not living.

“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.” – Carl Jung
 
This powerful quote by Carl Jung touches on one of the most fundamental questions of human life: Why are we here? It suggests that life is not just about survival or navigating day-to-day experiences but about something deeper—bringing light to darkness, finding meaning in a seemingly chaotic world, and striving toward personal growth and enlightenment. Let's explore what it means to "kindle a light in the darkness" and how this idea can inspire us to live more fulfilling lives.
 Life in the Darkness of Being
The term "darkness of mere being" points to a fundamental truth of the human condition—life has an inherent mystery and uncertainty. This darkness might represent the unknown, our struggles, the existing existential challenges, or simply the mundane nature of existence. Sometimes, life can feel like we're drifting without a clear purpose, navigating through the darkness of routine and uncertainty.
But this darkness is not necessarily negative. Instead, Jung sees it as the backdrop against which we can shine our light. Just as stars are most brilliant in the blackness of night, our inner light becomes meaningful and transformative against the challenges and mysteries of our existence. The darkness is not to be shunned or feared but acknowledged as the canvas upon which we paint our purpose.
 Kindling the Light Within
What does it mean to kindle a light? To Jung, it’s about awakening a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives and, more importantly, contributing to something greater than ourselves. This could manifest in many ways: spreading kindness, creating art, teaching, caring for others, seeking personal growth, or striving to improve the world. Everyone's light is unique—what we each have to offer is a product of our experiences, gifts, and perspectives.
Kindling this light is an active, conscious effort. Just as a fire requires fuel and tending, we must nurture our sense of purpose and allow it to shine. This can be done through introspection, self-awareness, and actions aligned with our deepest values. For some, this may involve exploring spiritual practices, pursuing passions, or developing skills that bring joy and fulfillment. It requires us to be both aware of the darkness and determined to illuminate it with our presence.
 Purpose Beyond Ourselves
The idea of “kindling a light” suggests that our purpose is personal and communal. Our light does not exist in isolation; it is meant to contribute to the world around us to dispel the darkness that others face. Every action of love, compassion, understanding, and creativity has the potential to illuminate the lives of others.
In essence, our light ripples outward, impacting our existence and the lives of those we encounter. Acts of kindness, sharing knowledge, and simply offering a listening ear are all ways we kindle light in others’ darkness. And in doing so, we build a web of interconnected brightness that elevates the human experience for all.
 Finding Your Light
You may ask, “How do I find my light?” This is an individual journey, but it often starts with self-reflection. Ask yourself what brings you joy, sparks curiosity, and inspires a sense of purpose within you. Reflect on moments when you felt most alive or at peace—these are clues pointing toward your light. Your light might be expressed through creativity, connection, service, or learning. It may change over time, evolving as you grow and experience life.
It's also important to be gentle with yourself during this process. Darkness and uncertainty are part of the journey. There will be times when your light feels dim or hard to find. But remember, even a small flicker can change the atmosphere. Take small steps to fuel your light daily, whether through self-care, pursuing a passion, helping others, or finding quiet moments to reconnect with what matters.
 Embracing the Darkness and the Light
The interplay between darkness and light is a natural part of life. Jung’s quote reminds us that our purpose is not to eradicate the darkness but to coexist with it, to bring light where we can. In doing so, we cultivate resilience, courage, and a sense of meaning that can withstand life's inevitable challenges.
By kindling a light in the darkness of being, we elevate our lives and inspire others to do the same. We become beacons of hope, curiosity, and compassion, making our journey meaningful and enriching for us and those around us. And ultimately, isn’t that the greatest purpose we can pursue?
So today, take a moment to reflect on the light you carry within and how you might let it shine a little brighter in the world. Remember, your light can transform darkness—not by banishing it but by illuminating it with love, wisdom, and purpose.
 
Inspiration from Carl Jung 
Jung’s words invite us to see our lives as meaningful contributions to the vast tapestry of existence. They encourage us to seek purpose in our struggles and shine amidst uncertainty. In this light, every act of love, understanding, and creativity is a step toward kindling a flame that lights up the darkness—not only for ourselves but for humanity as a whole.

Things To Do Before Work
 
This section presents tips that are intended to help you complete your tasks in an organized manner through proper preparation. “Fortune favors the prepared mind”, as Louis Pasteur said, so keep that quote in mind as you peruse this array of prep-work tips.
 
1 Make a list of your tasks for the day.
A simple checklist of the things you need to do can be surprisingly helpful at keeping you on track. Aside from ensuring that you don’t forget to do any of the written tasks, when you see how much left you have to do, you can get serious about work. This can also help you avoid forgetting something and embarrassing yourself.
 
2 Check your agenda for the next few weeks.
There are times when tasks that have deadlines weeks from the current date will require preparation. As such, it is the best policy to always know what you should be doing within the next few weeks, so you can manage your time and resources properly. Remember to stay flexible, as changes can happen within those few weeks.
 
3 Use an app to keep track of your checklist.
If you have a smartphone, put it to work and use it to keep track of the things that need doing for the day. Apps like these can also help you prepare your schedule for weeks in advance. Remember that a smartphone is only as smart as the person who is using it.
 
4 Set up reminders for meetings and tasks.
When you set up a reminder on your cellphone, you are reducing the risk that you will run late or miss appointments and tasks altogether. Setting a reminder can also take a load off of your mind and allow you to concentrate better on the task at hand. Do make sure that your reminder ringtone won’t bother nearby people, or you could be lessening their productivity.
 
5 Prepare all the materials that you need.
Though arguably this can be considered part of the work that you do, for argument’s sake let us put it in this category. Having all the tools and supplies close at hand makes it easy to complete tasks because you won’t have to break your concentration (or spend time) going to get something.
 
6 Set your cellphone to silent or vibrate-only mode.
Loud ringtones don’t just break your concentration but also that of the people around you, unless you have your own office or something to that effect. Besides, it would be a bit embarrassing if you were surprised by your own cellphone. We don’t quite recommend turning your cellphone off because there may be urgent matters that can only come to your attention through your cellphone.
 
7 Have a personal SIM and a work SIM.
If you can afford it (and if you have a high volume of message / call traffic on your cellphone), then get different SIM cards for your work and personal lives. You could put them in different cellphones, or on a single dual SIM phone, or just swap them in and out as needed. The idea is that you pay attention when the work phone rings, and can choose to ignore the personal phone until you have the free time to check it.
 
8 Choose neutral ringtones.
This is a little less obvious. Using humorous ringtones or ringtones that carry some sort of emotional significance for you can be distracting. It can also bother nearby people. Using “neutral” ringtones – ringtones that simply notify and do not entertain – means that there won’t be emotional baggage with every ring, and you’re less likely to bother other people.
 
9 Short message and reminder ringtones are best.
Ringtones that last a few seconds at most are best. Imagine if you left your phone on your desk while you stepped away for a bit, and a message came in. A long ringtone for a message that will be waiting when you get back is sure to annoy your coworkers. Choose something short.
 
10 Manage your e-mail settings.
Setting a filter to redirect and categorize your e-mail messages can be helpful, especially if you use one e-mail address for your work and personal life (which is not recommended, especially if it is a corporate e-mail address). This way if something pops up in the personal e-mail inbox, you can let it slide ‘til later, while something that comes into the work inbox deserves at least a cursory glance.
 
11 Proper work space setup.
While having your own cubicle means that you can usually add things that express your individuality, adding too much personality to your workspace can be distracting. How can you focus on that spreadsheet when a poster of your favorite actor or actress is but a few feet away, tempting you with their paper gaze? Here’s the tip in a nutshell: Decorate your workspace only with things that help you stay focused on the job.
 
12 Check your tools and equipment.
Whether you work in a cubicle or in a greasy garage, you should always check your tools and equipment before starting work. That way you can ensure that you won’t waste time while in the middle of something important later on. Additionally, performing basic checks every day can prevent serious injury or equipment damage by allowing you to identify potential problems before they fail catastrophically. It will also keep you from embarrassing yourself by calling I.T. when your computer is simply unplugged.
 
13 If you didn’t do so the day before, tidy up.
There are times that you might end up going home without cleaning up your workspace. While this is sloppy, it is also sometimes unavoidable, especially during crunch periods. In any case, if you come into work after having left your space dirty the day before, your first order of business should be to tidy up in preparation for the day ahead.
 
14 Distribute data and supplies.
People can’t do their jobs if they are not supplied with the data and supplies that they need. If there are supplies or data that needs to be distributed to various personnel, then it should be done as early as possible. Just make sure to check your inboxes to see if there are instructions that say otherwise or make corrections before going about distributing whatever needs to get to the concerned parties.
 
15 Check the evening news the day before.
Every moment you spend not working are points against your productivity. This is why getting stuck in traffic is really a bad thing for anyone doing the daily grind. To avoid this scenario, check the evening news for any announcements for the day after. You will never know when they will close off some streets in your commute to work unless you check. This prevents the stress that comes from knowing that you are getting to work late in the morning. In case such an announcement is made, plan your route accordingly for a smooth commute to work and a better disposition in the morning.
 
16 Eat a hearty breakfast.
Low energy and a bad mood in the morning are often the results of skipping the most important meal of the day. Make it a point to eat your breakfast before going to work and you will see the difference. Drop the coffee-and-donuts routine and look for something healthier like some fruit pancakes. No time to prepare in the morning? Make breakfast the night before and put it in a plastic container so you can eat it on the way. Just do not forget to pop it out of the refrigerator before you leave for work.
 
17 Prepare everything you need the day after.
In the morning rush to get to work the following morning, it is easy to forget things needed for work. It is not a big deal if you can easily replace them but what if it was your PowerPoint presentation outlining company performance to be presented to the top brass? This is a worst-case scenario the must be avoided at all costs. Do this by taking time to prepare everything you need before you go to bed. Make a list and check it twice before you doze off.
 
18 Have the proper mindset for work.
Sometimes, all it takes is the proper mindset to keep working. How could you finish that report when your mind is wandering? With this in mind, it is best to prepare your brain for work the night before you go to the office. When it is finally time to work, you will go straight to business without wasting precious time to motivate yourself while the clock starts ticking. This means you have more time to finish your work and thus increasing your output.
 
19 Send out tomorrow’s work today.
If you have subordinates, you can help them become more productivity by giving them their allotted work tomorrow on the previous afternoon. This lets them plan the next work day and think of how they go at it. In other words, you are helping them work more efficiently by giving them the opportunity to see what they are up against. So help your team become more productive and produces better results by giving them a sneak peek on the days ahead. This helps overall performance as well as boosts interoffice relationships and teamwork.