So, What's New?

   One way to Dare to Excel, is to try something new.  Not just your first bite of sushi, but a new way of doing something, such as a new programming language or technique.

   At work, my current project (at the time I first wrote this, years ago) is trying a few new techniques.  (At my suggestion, another way to Dare to Excel.)  At the meetings introducing these, there was no objection voiced.  However, one person told the manager much later, that he was very opposed.  It may even have been a factor in his decision to leave the company.  Another person claimed, shortly thereafter, not to have time to learn these new techniques.

   Actual opposition after careful consideration, and lack of time, may be reality in these cases.  However, frequently such reasons are simply masks for fear.  (Or for laziness, but that's a whole 'nother story.)

   The familiar routine can be comforting, even if you know that it is not accomplishing the desired results.  The prospect of changing your ways can be daunting.

   But there's a word for people who won't try something new.  In fact, there are many words for them.

   The kindest of these is "conservative", though in this case taken to an extreme, as in, "stick-in-the-mud, conservative fuddy-duddy".  (And no, I don't mean the political type of conservative, aka "right-wing", as opposed to "liberal" or "left-wing".  I refer to the older definition, "conserving of existing institutions", or "cautious in making changes".)

   When it comes to your career, though, the most appropriate word that springs to my mind is: "obsolete".