Improvise, Adapt, Overcome

Improvise, Adapt, Overcome. This is an unofficial Marine credo. A phrase that I have used personally as well as during exchanges with my team throughout the years. Adaptability is a quality that pays dividends both personally and professionally. For instance, Blockbuster was too late to adapt to movie delivery and streaming services — enter Netflix. Dr. Dre initially considered promoting sneakers until his business partner, Jimmy Iovine, suggested, “Sneakers? Nah, you should do speakers,” leading to the birth of Beats. In my own experience, I closed four successful personal injury practices in 2017 to focus solely on Federal Workers’ Compensation. Seven years later, we are providing care in 10 states and still growing. Adaptability is a blend of strategic thinking, available information, and a bit of luck.

There’s a scene from a recent Netflix miniseries where Jake Gyllenhaal’s character has a conversation with the middle-aged son of a recently deceased community leader. The son reflects that he and Jake’s character are now the “elders” of their community. Jake’s character is taken aback, feeling too young to be considered an elder. This resonated with me, as I find myself in a similar situation at 57, unexpectedly stepping into a new role.

I mention this because my 79-year-old mother, a lifelong smoker who has generally been healthy, is now facing a significant health issue. After suffering from a relentless, full-body itch for the past 10 months and consulting with at least ten doctors without a diagnosis, we’re now navigating a challenging and elusive medical condition. This situation has required me to adapt in real time.

Previously, I approached challenges like a hammer to a nail — direct and forceful. However, managing my mother’s care has necessitated a more nuanced approach. I’ve become a collaborator with her doctors, working within the medical system to advocate for her needs. This past Saturday, I successfully managed to get her admitted to the hospital, a result of aligning with the medical process, which often involves ruling out all possibilities before admitting a patient. This delicate dance required not just experience and charm, but a significant amount of adaptability.

Adaptability isn’t just about professional growth; it’s a crucial skill in personal challenges as well. It’s the ability to assess a situation, shift strategies, and find the best path forward, no matter the circumstances.

In addition to managing my mother’s healthcare crisis, this week brought further upheaval as Hurricane Helene swept through Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, causing significant damage. Perhaps this serves as a metaphor for what we might expect in the coming months until the current political season concludes.

Hopefully, like the saying about March weather, we will come in like a lion and go out like a lamb.

No matter what happens next—in business, life, health, or politics — what truly matters is not what happens to you, but how you respond. Sometimes, the challenges we face can lead to unexpected and positive new beginnings. Wishing you a great week ahead.