The #1 Skill You Didn't Know You Needed

Within the last couple of years, I’ve made a life-changing decision. I chose to shift my life from merely surviving to thriving. Thriving means I’m growing and flourishing while surviving meant I was simply existing.

That decision gave me a personal philosophy that says no matter where I go, I must add value and impact my environment in a positive way. The concept is simple to me. I should never find myself in a new place just for the sake of being there, but I should always leave my fingerprints behind in the way I choose to live. 

As an overseas basketball player, I often find myself in new environments. I meet new people, experience new cultures, and I’m exposed to new ideas regularly. My personal challenge is always to add value and create an impact even when everything around me is constantly changing. 

So, what does that mean for you? You may not be someone who experiences culture shock on a regular basis, but I know one thing is guaranteed in your life: change. 

No matter who you are, you will experience a change in your life. Change is constant, we can’t control it, and it happens on a regular basis. Sometimes change will be in our favor and other times it will make us uncomfortable. 

Maybe you just lost one of your income streams because of an advancement in technology. Perhaps your school just lost its accreditation, and you have to find a scholarship to attend another institution. You may be a newlywed learning to navigate the married life for the first time. Whatever it is, change is constant!

I’ve seen people who fall apart in the face of change and adversity. One unforeseen circumstance and they totally lose sight of their purpose. They get caught up in complaining and worrying about the situation instead of choosing to thrive.

That brings me to the big question, how does a person thrive in the face of change?

Learn to adapt as fast as you can. 

I’ve observed a lot of people, and the truth is obvious. People who adapt quickly are more successful than those who don’t. Learning to adapt to change is a skill that can and should be developed. If you take the time to learn this one skill you’ll be on your way to living a life of growth. 

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Here are three keys to adapting to change.

1. Humble Yourself. The moment you realize the world doesn’t revolve around you, the quicker you can adjust when change occurs. This was a tough lesson I learned my first time overseas. I was busy complaining about how things in London weren’t the same as America. In the grand scheme of things I should have been looking for ways to be impactful in a new country, but I couldn’t get past my own discomfort.

Adapting quickly to change starts from a posture of humility. Can you still add value to those around you even when you’re uncomfortable?

2. Make Purpose Paramount. Experiencing change or adversity should not cause you to lose sight of your purpose. Wherever you are today, you are there for a reason. Like I said earlier, my philosophy is always to add value and impact my environment. I can’t allow an uncomfortable change to break my focus. You have to remember your “why.” It has to be strong enough to carry you through times of change and instability.

3. Enjoy the process. Sometimes I get discouraged because things are not going how I think they should go. When that happens I remind myself that life is a beautiful journey with many ups and downs. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest. Embracing the many changes that come along with life is a part of the process. You will be able to adapt quickly once you grab this truth! Don’t take everything so serious! Laugh it off and keep moving. 

Change is primetime for personal growth. A shift in perspective will take you from surviving to thriving in your life no matter what is going on around you. Growth is constant. Period.

Your success may hinge on how quickly you can stop mourning the way things used to be!