I have been reading lately about all the changes we will be facing in the next 20-30 years. We have always had changes in various industries, but never so rapidly and inclusively as today. The predictors say 20-30 years. That is just a heartbeat or two away.

The concern I have is whether or not traditional education will be able to provide the kinds of training required to adapt to the changes. If accurate, the predictors say whole industries will fail putting thousands of folks out of work.

It won’t mean that there won’t be jobs. There will always be a need for humans. The question will be whether or not our current educational systems are changing to meet the challenges of the future. Given I have worked with college athletes, coaches and business executives for the past 30+ years, I seriously doubt it.

People tend to resist change as it forces them out of their comfort zone. I say this due to my experience that people who are up to something are always uncomfortable.That is what drives them to action and, to a certain extent, gives them the edge they need to accomplish things.

The better trained we are, the more we will see what is valuable in our discomfort. For any performer it keeps them on their toes; aware and engaged.This allows that person to effectively deal with the unexpected that WILL happen. Sometimes the quarterback needs to change the play at the line of scrimmage.

Our children are not given what they need by our educational systems. Educators should be the quickest to change and, in most cases, they are the slowest. Can we afford to train our children to just “keep up”? Education should be the engine on the train not the caboose.