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P a g e 2 | THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO KEEP GROWING Adapting to Change Is a Necessity, Not a Choice Anto Rohmawan
P a g e 3 | CHAPTER ONE THE BEGINNING
P a g e 4 | This chapter is part of the book THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO KEEP GROWING: Adapting to Change Is a Necessity, Not a Choice. This chapter has been intentionally presented in a flipbook format to make it easier and more accessible to read. All content in this chapter, including the text, ideas, concepts, and materials, is protected by copyright. No part of this chapter may be copied, reproduced, distributed, published, adapted, or used, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the author. For permission or inquiries regarding the use of this material, please contact antorohmawan@gmail.com
P a g e 5 | Living in a Dream magine someone falling asleep in 1996 and waking up only in 2026. Since opening their eyes, they would find a world that is almost entirely unfamiliar. They would see people communicating with machines capable of answering nearly every question. They would witness vehicles that can operate without drivers, jobs performed without traditional offices, and meetings conducted without people having to be in the same room. In everyone’s hands is a small device whose I
P a g e 6 | capabilities far exceed those of the most advanced computers they knew three decades earlier. In the past, people had to visit libraries to search for information. Today, millions of sources of knowledge are available at our fingertips through smartphones. In the past, people had to go to the office to work. Today, many jobs can be performed from home or even from another country. In the past, long-distance communication was expensive and time-consuming. Today, cross-continental video conversations can take place instantly and at almost no cost. From the era of typewriters, which were gradually replaced by computers, to landline telephones evolving into smartphones, and now to the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), capable of performing many tasks that once could only be carried out by human beings. Throughout human history, change has never been a new phenomenon in the development of civilization. However, the changes taking place today are occurring far more rapidly, extensively, and profoundly than in previous periods.
P a g e 7 | If success in the past was largely determined by the mastery of knowledge and many years of work experience, today the ability to continue learning, adapting, and collaborating has become increasingly important and essential. Experiencing various waves of change has led the author to realize that age, position, and educational background are no longer guarantees of continued relevance. According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025 published by the World Economic Forum, technological transformation, artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, and global economic dynamics will be among the major factors shaping the world of work through 2030. The report indicates that many occupations will undergo significant transformation, and the skills required today will not necessarily be the same as those needed five years from now. Even professions that were previously considered secure are now beginning to be affected by automation. Routine tasks can be performed by machines and AI systems more
P a g e 8 | quickly and efficiently. As a result, human value is increasingly shifting toward capabilities that are difficult for technology to replace. Change is not a threat when we are prepared to face it. On the contrary, change can become a tremendous opportunity for those who are capable of continuous learning and adaptation. So, what enables a person to remain needed when an increasing number of jobs can be performed by machines and artificial intelligence? The answer lies in capabilities that technology finds difficult to replace. Like a dream, it doesn't feel like the author's hair is starting to bleach a lot, the movements are no longer as good as they used to be, a sign that the age has exceeded half a century. In that span of time, so many changes have occurred. The author still remembers his father who was also a writer, who was very diligent in typing the manuscript using a typewriter, flipping through carbon paper, and correcting the writing with patience before finally becoming a book.
P a g e 9 | Haunted by a Dream, Awakened to Change It feels like being haunted by a dream that awakens us to how fast the world is changing. Technology is advancing, the way we work is changing, and new developments are happening all around us. All of this is a wake-up call to keep learning and adapting. For many years, society has been taught that success is determined by high academic achievement. Children are encouraged to obtain the highest grades, attend prestigious schools, and pursue the highest possible educational qualifications in order to become intelligent. This perspective is not entirely wrong. Education continues to play an important role in developing a person’s intellectual capacity and knowledge. However, in reality, many individuals with outstanding academic achievements struggle when they enter the workplace or face the challenges of real life.
P a g e 10 | In society, the term “intelligent person” is often associated with academic achievement. Someone who obtains high grades, completes extensive formal education, or holds advanced academic degrees is more likely to be recognized as an intelligent individual. This perception has developed because the academic world places considerable emphasis on mastery of knowledge, analytical ability, and intellectual achievement that can be formally measured. On the other hand, the reality is that the workplace and entrepreneurship often use different measures. The business environment places greater emphasis on the ability to identify opportunities, innovate, create, build networks, and make decisions in situations characterized by uncertainty. Therefore, it is not uncommon for individuals who are not academically outstanding to develop into successful entrepreneurs, leaders, or influential professionals. The author often feels that he is “not smart enough” because there are still so many things that need to be learned and understood. Although he has been working professionally since 1996 in various sectors, including
P a g e 11 | banking and mining, and has had opportunities to hold a number of strategic positions, the awareness that learning never truly ends remains an important part of his journey. The author’s parents always taught him that whatever profession one chooses cannot be considered complete if it does not provide benefits to others. This advice has become a deeply rooted life principle and has encouraged the author to become a lecturer at several universities, as well as a consultant and trainer for various government institutions, state-owned enterprises, and private companies, alongside his other professional activities Being active in both environments has given the author the opportunity to experience firsthand the gap between academia and the professional world. In academia, being “smart” is often measured by grades, academic degrees, and mastery of theory. In the workplace and entrepreneurship, however, greater emphasis is placed on adaptability, relationship-building, communication, opportunity recognition, innovation, and the ability to transform ideas into valuable solutions. Many individuals with excellent academic achievements struggle when they have to work in teams, respond to change, or make decisions under conditions of uncertainty. Conversely, there are also individuals with average academic abilities who are able to develop into successful leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals
P a g e 12 | because they possess the ability to manage themselves and interact effectively with others. This observation raises an important question: Is success measured solely by academic ability, or are there other factors that also play a major role in determining a person’s success? This question eventually leads to the realization that, beyond technical capabilities, there are other equally important abilities: the ability to adapt, collaborate, communicate, and continue developing in response to various situations in life and work. According to the 2003 National Education System Law (UU Sisdiknas), national education aims to develop capabilities and shape the character and civilization of a dignified nation in order to educate the life of the nation, while developing learners’ potential so that they become individuals who are faithful, devoted to God, virtuous, healthy, knowledgeable, capable, creative, independent, democratic, and responsible citizens.
P a g e 13 | Reality Gap In real life, we often encounter individuals who are highly intelligent but still struggle to develop. They may have an excellent understanding of theory but struggle to work in teams. They may possess strong technical abilities but find it difficult to accept criticism. They may understand business strategy but fail to build relationships with colleagues. These conditions demonstrate that success is not merely about intellectual ability, but also about the ability to interact with others. Several factors frequently hinder a person’s development, both professionally and personally, including inadequate communication skills and limited adaptability. Even the best ideas will not generate optimal impact if they cannot be communicated clearly to others. Many individuals possess strong knowledge and competence but struggle to communicate their ideas effectively, causing their contributions to remain less visible.
P a g e 14 | In addition, adaptability is becoming increasingly important amid technological change, evolving organizational needs, and continuously changing environmental demands. Individuals who are reluctant to leave their comfort zones are more likely to be left behind. Another equally important factor is weak emotional intelligence and the inability to collaborate effectively. Emotional intelligence enables a person to understand and manage emotions when facing pressure, conflict, failure, or criticism. Without this ability, individuals are more likely to lose motivation and struggle to develop themselves continuously. At the same time, success in the modern workplace depends heavily on the ability to collaborate. Very few jobs can be completed entirely by individuals working alone. Therefore, the ability to work in teams, respect differences, and build synergy has become an important factor in determining the success of both individuals and organizations.
P a g e 15 | One obstacle that often goes unnoticed is the tendency to remain within one’s comfort zone. When someone feels that their existing knowledge, abilities, and experience are sufficient, the motivation to learn new things tends to decline. What is relevant today may not remain relevant several years from now. Fear of uncertainty often causes people to resist change, even when change may open the door to greater opportunities. When the author worked with a large company and delivered training to its employees at the request of one of its commissioners, he witnessed this phenomenon firsthand. Several months after the training, employee performance showed significant improvement. However, as time passed, the improvement did not last and gradually declined again. The author subsequently wrote an article in a print publication at the time entitled “Temporary Smart Syndrome.” Through this article, he attempted to describe how an increase in knowledge that is not internalized through actual practice tends to be temporary and can easily return to its original state. Learning to Know, Knowing to Do, Doing to Be. One phenomenon that frequently occurs is a temporary improvement in a person’s knowledge or ability, usually after attending training or acquiring new information.
P a g e 16 | This happens because the knowledge is not practiced and does not develop into a consistent habit in everyday work. As a result, improvements in performance occur only in the short term before eventually returning to previous patterns due to the absence of internalization and habituation. Based on Benjamin Bloom’s Taxonomy, true competence can be understood as requiring the integration of Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude (KSA). In many cases, learning only produces a short-term increase in knowledge without being followed by the development of skills and a change in attitude. This condition gives rise to what the author refers to as Temporary Smart Syndrome—a state in which a person appears more competent after learning, yet does not experience sustainable behavioral change. Real change occurs when the knowledge a person possesses can be practiced consistently. Through repetition, knowledge develops into skill and eventually
P a g e 17 | influences attitude. Without this process, knowledge remains merely temporary information rather than an enduring competence. Fear of change can also take many forms, including concerns about failure, losing one’s position, or being unable to keep pace with new developments. As a result, individuals tend to avoid challenges, resist innovation, and maintain old ways of working that they perceive as safe. In the long term, this attitude can hinder both personal and professional growth. Conversely, those who dare to step outside their comfort zones have greater opportunities to gain new experiences, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen their competencies. In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, psychologist Carol Dweck introduced the concepts of growth mindset and fixed mindset to explain how patterns of thinking influence a person’s development. Individuals with a fixed mindset tend to believe that intelligence, talent, and ability are fixed characteristics
P a g e 18 | and therefore difficult to change. When faced with failure or difficulty, individuals with a fixed mindset are more likely to give up because they regard their limitations as inherent aspects of who they are. In contrast, individuals with a growth mindset believe that abilities can continually be developed through learning, practice, experience, and hard work. They view challenges as opportunities for growth, accept feedback as a means of improvement, and regard failure as part of the learning process. This concept is consistent with the habit instilled by the author’s parents from an early age: becoming a lifelong learner. A young child is naturally curious and eager to know (celintisan); an adolescent becomes knowledgeable and capable (prigel); an adult becomes broadly knowledgeable and able to illuminate others (panyuluh); and an older person becomes wise and capable of sharing knowledge and guidance (waskitha). Like many other people, the author has also experienced moments of doubt when confronted with rapid change.
P a g e 19 | A question has often emerged within him: Am I still capable of keeping up with all these developments? Knowledge and ability are not things that are simply given at birth and then remain unchanged. Abilities grow through learning, through the courage to try, through mistakes that are corrected, and through the willingness to continue adapting. This awareness has ultimately led to the conviction that everyone has the opportunity to continue growing, regardless of background or age.
P a g e 20 | Reflections on the Beginning Change never waits for anyone. The world continues to move forward, technology continues to evolve, and the demands of life continue to change. The future does not belong only to those who are the most intelligent, but to those who possess the willingness to keep learning, the courage to adapt, and the determination to continue growing throughout their lives. The future belongs to those who continue to grow. Are you one of them? Make your choice today. In the early 2000s, Netflix was successful as a mail-order DVD rental company. However, Reed Hastings sees changes in consumer behavior and the development of the internet leading to streaming services. Instead of maintaining a profitable business, he took the bold decision to invest heavily in new technology, albeit risky and doubtful by many. The decision was a turning point that turned Netflix into the world leader of the streaming industry. This story shows that in the ever - changing world of work and organizations, success is not determined by maintaining the old ways, but by having the courage to make adaptive, innovative, and future-oriented decisions.
P a g e 21 | May every word written, every idea shared, and every benefit generated through this book become a lasting charitable legacy (amal jariyah) that continues to flow, even after the author is no longer here. Let us continue to grow. Because the future does not belong to those who are the greatest, but to those who never stop learning, adapting, and growing—for growth itself is a form of change that is written, every idea that is shared, and every benefit that is born from this book becomes a charity that continues to flow, even when the author is gone. Let's keep growing. Because the future does not belong to the greatest of them, but belongs to those who never stop learning, adapting and growing because growing itself is a change.