Change and self renewal are in fact very difficult. John Gardner contends that most of the obstacles to self renewal are in the mind of the person rather than in the environment. Most people, professors included, tend to have many self-defense mechanisms built up, and they use these defenses almost without thought. The very nature of being defensive is quite an obstacle to change and renewal. Another big obstacle to change and renewal is vested interest.
People like to protect what they have created, who they are, where they are.
Change generally does not occur unless the person who needs to change has a personal felt need to change. Alternative Strategies for Maintaining Professional Momentum Clearly, strategies for self renewal must include self-help, peer support at the work place, and enrichment of one's personal life. The idea of renewal has to involve the total person and cannot be confined to a narrow concept of professional improvement. Consider the following strategies. Try Something New and Daring .