While we all know that change is the only constant you can rely on, change is the one thing that humans seem to resist. Change brings joy and disappointment, and no matter what comes, we often forget that this will also change. As we begin the process of starting a New Year, I reached out to Dr. Daniel Black, author, professor, and viral commencement speaker, to provide us with some guidance as we begin to prepare ourselves for the coming change for the 2025 New Year
I asked Dr. Black why is “change” so difficult for humans to accept even when it is inevitable. He speaks about change disrupting our comfort zones and routines. Dr. Black goes on to explain that humans tend to seek comfort and control. When asked if we could incorporate the acceptance of change into our daily lives he says instead of waiting for change, we can plan change. Take a new way to work, break our routines invite change into our lives.
Resilience is one of those words that follows members of our community. How do you bounce back when overwhelmed with disappointment, Dr. Black explains that we can’t always charge ourselves and may have to “plug into” another life force. He speaks about the energy that comes from simply being around young children. He adds that miracles happen everywhere, every day, and while we shout about our miracles this is a time to shout about the miracles happening in others lives.
In our conversation last year, Dr. Black encouraged us to be disciplined enough to focus on one goal. If we were able to do this he speaks about discipline in one area expanding to other areas. If focusing on one thing seems impossible Dr. Black encourages us to renegotiate our relationship to time. If you can’t give hours to go to the gym, give yourself ten minutes to walk the stairs or driveway at your home.
In 2024, Dr. Black was the commencement speaker for the Clark Atlanta University graduates. His speech went viral and he appeared on national and local news outlets across the country. He shares that his phone is still ringing from this event. He shares that his goal was to make sure the graduates were aware of the legacy they of the university and that should never hang their heads. In January his new book Isaac’s Song a follow-up to his novel Don’t Cry For Me will be released.