After a significant change of school and board in Grade 7, I had finally settled into an even rhythm. Then came Grade 9. Much to my dismay, I found myself confronting the very animal I thought I had managed to tame over the previous two years—change.

With the Grade 10 board examinations just around the corner, both my parents and my school expected me to become a more focused and disciplined student, improve my grades, and prepare for a far more demanding phase of life.

The expectations were set almost as soon as Grade 9 began. With a heavy heart, I realised that the next two years were going to be tough. Like most people faced with change, I went through the usual phases.

• There was inertia—my grades aren't that bad so why bother to step up the effort.
• There was denial—does it really matter if I don't ace the board exams?
• And there was false bravado—I've always landed on my feet. I'll find another way.

Fortunately, better sense prevailed. I first went to Mummy for advice. Her answer was characteristically simple. "If something has to be done, it has to be done. What's there to discuss? Figure out how and quickly get on with it." Practical as always.

But I was looking for something more. So I went to Papa. Instead of giving me an immediate answer, he began asking me questions.

Looking back, I realise that he wasn't just helping me deal with this particular change. He was teaching me a way of thinking that I continue to use to this day.

Question 1: Why do we resist change, even when it may ultimately benefit us?

Papa explained that human beings naturally prefer the comfort of the familiar. Change forces us out of that comfort zone, and with it comes uncertainty and the fear of failure. Staying where we are often feels safer than moving into the unknown.

I remember feeling immensely relieved. Thank God—it wasn't just me.

Question 2: Why do we need to embrace change?

His answer was equally simple. Life keeps changing. If we refuse to adapt, we stop growing. Every meaningful stage of life demands that we learn something new, become someone better, or let go of an old way of thinking.

Growth and change are inseparable.

Question 3: So how do we handle change successfully?

This was the answer I had really been waiting for.

Papa then suggested a simple three-step approach that has stayed with me ever since.

Step 1: Know Where You Want to Go.

Begin with realistic goals and clear timelines. Differentiate between what you must achieve, what would be a stretch, and what may seem audacious today.

Early successes build confidence. Confidence builds momentum.

Step 2: Focus on What You Can Control.

Identify everything you can accomplish through your own effort and begin there.

Don't waste energy worrying about what lies outside your control.

Step 3: Seek Help Where You Need It.

Once you have done everything you can yourself, identify the gaps and ask for help. There is strength—not weakness—in knowing when you need support.

Over the years, I have relied on this simple framework to navigate not only small changes but also some of the most transformational ones in my personal and professional life.

One more shift happened as I grew older.

I quietly removed the word failure from my vocabulary and replaced it with setback.

That single change in language changed my thinking.

A setback simply means I need to analyse what happened, adjust my strategy, and try again. It reminds me that the journey is still alive.

Looking back, I realise that Papa wasn't merely teaching me how to handle the transition from Grade 9 to Grade 10. He was teaching me a framework for handling every significant change that life would eventually place before me.