Constant alertness to changing needs and situations is essential. To delay or relax this awareness of change is high risk, and contrary to the notion of continuous learning and adaptation. Any thought of straying from the leading edge of change is like facing upward on an escalator going down and thinking at least the status quo is being maintained. Even the notion of keeping up with "best practices" is dated. Because change is occurring so quickly, adopting a practice that has proven out elsewhere may be redundant by the time it is in place.