Change is uncomfortable. When we sense it’s time for something new, like a job, a routine, a way of thinking, we often hold back. That hesitation isn’t a lack of motivation. It’s the natural resistance that comes with stepping into unfamiliar territory. High achievers in particular often thrive on structure and clear direction. When something shakes up that flow, it can feel like the ground shifts beneath us; but what becomes clear with time is that the ground is always shifting. Life moves. Businesses change. Challenges show up wearing the face of opportunity. The people who continue to grow are the ones who can stay steady while everything else moves around them. That’s where adaptability becomes essential, not just in business or careers, but in every part of life.
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Why High Achievers Often Resist Change
Success is often built on patterns that work. High performers know how to create systems, set goals, and meet deadlines. So when those systems stop delivering the same results, the instinct is often to work harder at the same thing. But adaptability doesn’t mean letting go of discipline. It means recognizing when the environment has changed and adjusting the path forward without losing sight of the destination.
Imagine you’re a business owner who has grown steadily through referrals. Then, suddenly, those leads slow down. Instead of scrambling or giving up, you shift your strategy. You start exploring new platforms or finally begin building an email list. The goal stays the same which is growing your business, but your approach evolves with the times.
How Adaptability Leads to Fulfillment
Fulfillment doesn’t usually come from sticking to a perfect five-year plan. It comes from learning how to adjust in the middle of the mess. From accepting canceled projects, surprise job offers, life changes, and personal growth. Adaptable people don’t just respond to change; they use it. They’re willing to take a detour if it brings them closer to meaning, alignment, or peace.
Being adaptable isn’t just about keeping up. It’s about expanding your capacity. It’s about welcoming ideas, paths, and people you never expected but suddenly realize you needed.
A great example of adaptability in real life is military spouse and entrepreneur Lauren Lomsdale, who shared her journey on my podcast a few months ago. With frequent moves and the need to start fresh in new places, Lauren has had to reinvent herself more times than most people do in a lifetime. She’s done it with grace and grit—and honestly, she made it look effortless. But I know it takes mindset work, self-reflection, and a whole lot of trial and error. That’s all part of growth. Her story is such a reminder that adaptability isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live through. If you’re curious, I wrote more about it on the blog, and her episode is linked there too.
How to Build More Flexibility Into Your Life
If adaptability feels like a skill you want to sharpen, start small:
- Get curious. When plans shift, pause. Ask yourself what new insight or opportunity this might bring.
- Stick to your values. If a goal no longer fits, return to what matters to you. There’s always another way to express your values through new goals or approaches.
- Make low-stakes changes. Test new tools. Let someone else take the lead. Change a routine. Flexibility grows with practice.
- Create space for reflection. Weekly journaling or conversations with a coach can help you notice when it’s time to shift something you’ve outgrown.
Stay Open
Change is always part of the process. You don’t need to know exactly what’s coming next. You just need to stay open and willing to take the next step, even if it feels unfamiliar. High achievement is not about repeating the same moves. It’s about staying aware, making adjustments, and continuing to grow.
So when life offers a new direction, take a moment, consider the possibilities. Remind yourself that you already have what it takes to move forward, no matter how different the path may look.
If you’re looking for coaching opportunities to live your life to the fullest you can learn more here about my one-on-one coaching opportunities or my Flourishing Edge Membership with my Flourishing Edge program.
