This is our second installment of our focus on change. We’re going to continue to review the many past changes we’ve experienced, identify current changes we may be dealing with at the moment, and contemplate upcoming modifications and how they might affect you, your family and organization.

Today, let’s take a look at some of the things that we once enjoyed and took for granted … never even contemplating the possibility that these things would become things of our past so quickly.

Want to put a smile on your face? Visualize for a moment how difficult it would be to try to explain each of the following to a member of today’s generation who has no clue as to what you’re talking about.

• Free air at gas stations
• Gas attendants
• S&H greenstamps
• Electric typewriters (Try to fill out a form on your computer.)
• Stores closed on Sundays
• Rotary phones
• Vent windows in your car
• Full-size spare tire in your trunk
• 45 and 33 rpm vinyl records
• 8-track tapes
• Home delivery (milk – bread – laundry). Remember when every neighborhood had a milkman?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 1950, more than half of the milk sold was delivered to the home in glass quart bottles; by 1963, it was about a third and by 2001, it represented only 0.4%. The milkman also carried juice drinks, cottage cheese, and a variety of other dairy products. Sit down for this one. The majority of homes had a small insulated metal milk box on their porch. No lock. We actually left money in this box for the milkman and, after removing the money, he placed our order in this box, which protected the products from animals and the weather. Can you picture this happening today?

Watch this page for an on-going list and feel free to share your own predictions as well.

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.