We need to change – embrace, adapt, stay ahead

“Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose,” or as you might recognize more readily, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

Researching the origin of this quote leads you on a somewhat random internet chase – getting Wikipedia and Yahoo answers, but nothing from a truly credible source. So, as I browsed through the 3.79 million search results Google was kind enough to deliver in 0.25 seconds, I learned that this quote has been attributed to many. Results said that French novelist Jean Baptiste Alphonse Karr first wrote it, but then other sites attributed it to George Bernard Shaw as well as musicians Kenny Chesney and Corinne Bailey Rae. I think I’ll side with the originator of this quote being Jean Baptiste Alphonse Karr.

At the risk of upsetting Karr devotees, I’d like to alter this epigram. The quote I would write and have attributed to me would go, “The more things change, the more advancements, growth, and benefits we all reap.”

Karr’s saying came to mind as the new year approached and people began discussing their planned resolutions. It got me thinking that I’m not big on making New Year’s resolutions and it’s probably because I don’t think change should wait. “Change is inevitable. Change is constant,” said Benjamin Disraeli, British prime minister of the late 1800s.

I’m in complete agreement with Disraeli. I like change, and how it is a constant for growth. Change is a chance to advance and better ourselves, and the world around us. It’s chance to take the lead and stand out of from the rest. It’s not efficient or wise to reevaluate your life, or business, just once a year. We should all constantly be changing and making resolutions on where we are and where we want to head – both personally and professionally.

Another favorite quote about change is Mahatma Gandhi’s: “We must become the change we want to see.” This is as true today as it was when Gandhi first said it. No one can sit back and ask for change, if they are not willing to participate and be it.

So, as we enter 2014, the medical design and manufacturing market sees a continuation of more changes. Additional portions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act go into effect, and this will continue to change the marketplace. Some feel this will be positive, others negative. Overall, it appears the unwillingness to allow change, to try change, or to give change a chance is what is causing the split of opinions. Even in our annual industry forecast, our participants have varying opinions on how the ACA will affect the medical device industry. However, one thing is for sure. These changes are here, and appear to be here to stay, so now it’s up to individuals and companies alike to decide how they too will change, so there can continue to be “more advancements, growth, and benefits.”