It’s 1955 and you’re
living in Sweden. The government has decided to ask the public whether they should switch from driving on the left-hand side of the road to the right.
As most people love their routines, the idea of such a monumental shift wasn’t well received.
A whopping 83% of
Swedes voted to keep things as they were!
Fast forward to 1967, and despite the public outcry, the Swedish government decided to go ahead with the change.
They believed it was for the greater good, aligning with their neighbours and ultimately making travel and trade
easier.
So, on September 3rd, 1967, the entire country switched sides – an event famously known as Dagen H (H Day).
The build-up to Dagen H was nothing short of chaotic. Every road sign had to be changed, junctions reconfigured and drivers
re-educated.
It was a logistical nightmare, but they persisted.
Guess what happened next?
The transition, while initially bumpy, turned out to be a brilliant idea.
The number of road accidents plummeted.
Drivers, now hyper-aware and cautious due to the new rules, navigated the roads with increased attention and care.
What seemed like a crazy,
disruptive, decision, led to safer roads and smoother travel in the long run.
This story isn’t just a piece of Heppell trivia: It’s a lesson.
Change, even when resisted and feared, can lead to remarkable improvements.
It reminds me that sometimes, you need to trust the process and embrace the discomfort.
What changes are you resisting in your life?
Maybe it’s going for a new job, a shift in strategy, a new home or
adopting a new habit.
That’s habit, not rabbit.
I’m challenging you to embrace change and start with one thing; even if it’s met with resistance.
Create your own ‘Dagen H’.
Remember, what feels daunting today
could just be the catalyst for brilliance tomorrow.
I’d love to know your thoughts on this message and your own experiences of change.
You can comment on the online version here.
Be Brilliant!