From the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, John Hope Bryant.
From John Hope Bryant’s Unlocking Success newsletter on LinkedIn, November 6, 2023.
No matter how many times it comes around it seems that the end of Daylight Savings Time catches us off guard every year.
The time change is sharp and abrupt. For most people the shift happens in the quiet of the night while they’re asleep, only realize something is different when they awake and begin their days.
The first day is usually awkward – filled with confusion and recalibration. Some clocks read one way. Others read another. The body, accustomed to the rhythms of the day and aligned with the movement of the sun is thrown off and a period of adjustment begins.
Eventually we accept the fact that the time has changed.
It’s the same way in life, leadership, and success. Change is life’s only constant, and we should welcome it! However, even when we’re looking for change to come and have prepared for it, it can still be a challenge adjusting to your new reality. I want to offer three keys that will help you navigate the abrupt, challenging transitions that you may face as you step into new levels of success and innovation in your personal and professional life.
Let Experience Be Your Guide
You’ve been here before! Think about the many life transitions that have brought you to this very point. Some you looked forward to. Others not so much. Despite it all, you made it through. The beauty of innovation is that you get to build on top of what’s already been. In this case, you have decades worth of memories and time-tested experience in how to handle the transition in your life. But what can you do differently? How did you respond in previous episodes of change? What things worked? What do you want to try new? Experience is the best teacher, so let it be your guide.
Embrace It
Change comes in many forms throughout our lives. One of the many changes that we must adjust to is cultural shifts. You can think of it as the moment you realize you’re getting older. It seems to be happening more these days than I’d like to admit, but when I look around, I see that the world is shifting in a new direction. Some good, some regrettable, but the changes are here, and they are happening. Time is wasted lamenting over the things you don’t like and cannot change. Especially when there’s so much around us that’s changing that we can influence for the better. Remember, change is like a fast-moving parade heading straight for you. You can either stand still and get run over, or you can get ahead of it and become of the leader of the band. The choice is yours.
Remain True to Your Core Values
Even as times change, and we arrive at different seasons in our lives we must remain true to who we are at our core. Core values like honor, respect, kindness, and optimism should never change, despite your circumstances. As we rise towards greater success, life will demand that we grow in areas that may be underdeveloped. However, that should never conflict with the content of your character. For example, it is possible to become more resolute in your dealings with co-workers or challenging clients while remaining kind and caring. You can also become more focused on your work and achieving your goals while still being thoughtful and considerate of your peers and family. No matter what changes come in your own life or in society, find the core of your character, make it your North Star, and never take your eyes off it. At the end of the day being a man or woman of noble intent and character goes much further for success than any milestone or achievement ever will.