I tend to translate lessons of success from those in the athletic field. Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski became the winningest coach in men's college basketball in November of this year. His adaptability in changing as the game of basketball has changed (began coaching in 1975) is a testament to his greatness as one reporter wrote.

Adaptability: Can you adapt? When things change, can you change? To adapt is not giving up on who you are, it is you evolving. Your principles don't change but how you achieve your goals do. Understand that the one who is steadfast on doing things the way they have always done them will not survive. I use survive but this is not about survival, it's about your evolution. It's about recognizing when you have to change. Adapting will always equate to longevity.

In everything that we do, change will always be a factor. In the business world, concepts on doing business change. Technology is always changing. In order to remain competitive, you have to adapt. In order to remain relevant, you have to adapt. You have to be a flexible person. To remain rigid when the circumstance calls for being flexible will be a detriment to your success. Never feel that you cannot make plans, plans are necessary.
On the contrary, having the foresight to expect changes will aid in your response time to react; thus that is why we plan.

I have often wondered why change is so hard. I understand that people resist change because of the unknowing. The thought of embarking on a path that has not been traveled by you can be frightening yet you know where you want to end the destination. You know where you want to go. They say insanity is repeating the same thing over and over but expecting different results. We call it insanity but is that the result of fear?

The fear to change; is that why people refuse to adapt to situations? The fear to take the path not traveled. If you want to be successful, you have to get out of your comfort zone. You have to change. You have to be able to adapt. If you want to achieve a goal, you have to change. If you want to fulfill a dream, you have to change. It starts with changing the way you think. You have to believe that you can do it! When we resist change, we are unsure of ourselves. We don't have the faith in ourselves like we should. Being able to adapt shows just how much faith you have in yourself. In order to overcome failures, you have to be able to change. Change is making adjustments. Change is a part of progression. Change is a way of life.

In a world that changes constantly, adapting will guide your imagination. It will open you up to new possibilities. A different way of thinking does not disrupt on what you want your outcome to be. It only changes how you get there. The most important object is to reach your goal.

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change." - Charles Darwin

Author's Bio: 

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC. Has over 20 years of experience in management in the Logistics industry. Chief Motivational Speaker for The Luck Philosophers, Inc. Living with Crohn's disease for the past 11 years (found out 2 years ago I had it). A person that understands that life is too precious to be concerned about what you have no control over; understand what you do control and maximize your efforts in those area(s). You will be suprised at the positive results.