We’ve all been there, clinging to the past, even when deep down we know a change is needed. It’s a human tendency, a comfort in the known, and for many organizations, it can become a powerful force against progress. Sometimes, it takes a seismic event – a sometimes devastation – to finally shake us free and propel us into the future we’ve resisted.

I work for a company that is celebrating 100 years of service this year. These office walls have absorbed nearly a century of conversations, and all its systems have hummed along with the rhythm of tradition. Our executive leadership have championed the tried and true. Technology upgrades? Unnecessary. A modern collaboration room? A frivolous expense. The familiar presence of a receptionist was preferred over the efficiency of an auto-attendant. And email? A poor substitute for the gravitas of phone call! This steadfast adherence to the past, while perhaps born of loyalty and experience, created a significant hurdle in keeping young talent engaged. The organization, despite its long history, was a relic in a rapidly evolving world.

Then, God and nature intervened. Hurricane Milton, hit central Florida with destructive force. Yet, in a strange twist of fate, it also yielded the power of transformation. Three inches of sewage. That was all it took. Three inches to obliterate the past and demand a new beginning.

The aftermath was immense: a gutted building, removed drywall, a $1.5 million rebuild. But from the debris and expense emerged something remarkable. The new office, born of necessity and function, embraced all the modern amenities and technological upgrades that had been so stubbornly resisted. A collaboration rooms now welcomed all. Advanced technology streamlined operations. The efficiency of automation is taking hold. It was a complete overhaul that even a decade of internal debate could not achieve. But the saddest part is that it took a complete and utter destruction to change the minds of the very leaders who had held firm for so long.

This narrative echoes the profound insights of Peter Senge and his concept of mental models – deeply ingrained assumptions and beliefs that can either guide or, more often, impair organizational growth and the adoption of efficient systems. These mental models, particularly when shared by leadership, can act as invisible barriers, making it incredibly difficult to perceive new possibilities or embrace innovative solutions. It often takes a jarring external shock to dislodge these entrenched ways of thinking.

We’ve seen similar “Milton Moments” on an even grander scale. I worked in Washing, DC when 9-11 happened. And those horrific events forced a rapid and revolutionary transformation within the military. Antiquated communication processes, once deemed industry standard, were instantly rendered obsolete. Military officers, accustomed to traditional phone communication for military actions, were compelled to transition to wireless, text, and email – a shift that many now refer to as truly transformational. The urgency of the situation superseded all resistance; the need for immediate, secure, and efficient communication became paramount, overriding any preference for the old ways. (https://www.firstnet.gov/newsroom/blog/remembering-911-and-how-it-changed-public-safety-communications/)

Humans are creatures of habit

Change, even for the better, often feels disruptive and uncomfortable. We build routines, processes, and even entire organizational cultures around what we know. And sometimes, it takes a significant inconvenience, a disruptive event, or even a disaster – a “Milton Moment” – to finally break through the inertia and reveal the necessity and ultimately, the benefits, of embracing change.

So, what are the “Milton Moments” in our own lives or organizations? The lesson is clear: sometimes, the greatest progress comes not from carefully planned initiatives, but from the urgent demands of a sudden, undeniable inconvenience. And very often, God uses these catastrophic moments to transform us. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, “”So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” Let’s start by making the most out of today.