“Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.” – Bertolt Brecht

Humans are interesting creatures.  No matter how many times certain things repeat themselves, it seems like we’re always surprised.  At this point you would think that after thousands of years we would have learned all the lessons we should have, but you would be wrong.

For example, life on this earth is a constant parade of change.  From what we wear and what we eat, to how we speak, to how we get from one place to another, and literally thousands of other things, we are always seeing and doing something new and different.  Some of the changes are great, some are terrible, and the rest are somewhere in between.

And yet, some change still surprises us.  Specifically, I’m talking about the ability of humans (leaders in particular) to forget that everything, to some degree, goes in cycles.  Things get better, then they get worse, then they get better again, and so on.  And we’re always surprised.

When things are bad, leaders have a tendency to act as though they’ll always be bad.  They complain, and talk about how hopeless things are, and “hunker down” because nothing good will ever come their way again, so why bother looking for it?

When things are good, leaders have a tendency to act as though they’ll always be good.  They smile a lot, and talk about how great things are, and jump at every opportunity because what could possibly go wrong?

I’m not suggesting that when things are a struggle you should ignore it, or that when things are great you should be depressed.  I’m simply suggesting that as a leader it’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever, so make the most of the situation you’re in now, and prepare for a future that’s different.

Look at yourself in the mirror.  How do you respond when things are bad?  Do you mope around the office?  Are you short with people?  Is everything you say a huge downer?

What about when things are good?  Do you ignore clouds on the horizon?  Are you oblivious to roadblocks that could pop up?  Are you so overly optimistic that everything you say causes eye-rolling?

Good times come and go, and so do bad.  Be steady.  Make the most of whatever the situation is, and prepare for what’s next.  Because whatever next is, it won’t look like this.