Flourish My Dear

Improvise, Adapt and Overcome

Clint Eastwood as a Marine in Heartbreak Ridge

If a family could have a motto, this would be ours. We taught it to our girls early and we live by it. Life doesn’t always go as planned. I’d be inclined to say life rarely goes as planned. So you need to be quick on your feet.

This phrase is the unofficial mantra of the US Marines. And was introduced to some of us by Clint Eastwood. He uttered this phrase in one of the few military movies I’ll watch over and over again, Heartbreak Ridge.

Improvise – to create something from whatever is available

Don’t have what you really need? Then make do with something else, get creative. There is always more than one way to get something done. We sometimes get so focused on a plan that we become rigid. So when obstacles are thrown at you, find a new way to make things happen.

Adapt – to adjust oneself to different conditions

Sometimes there’s no changing your circumstances. In this case, you might be the one who needs to be changed. This could be as simple as a change in mindset. Adjust your expectations, forgive someone, be grateful or find your courage. Or maybe a change in habits. Occasionally, it will require a major overhaul where you reevaluate your life priorities and principles and use this to become a better you.

Overcome – to prevail

We are all capable of overcoming obstacles, conquering our fears and achieving our goals. Have faith in yourself that you will prevail. Here’s where a little stubbornness comes in handy.

Change is inevitable. How you deal with it will determine your success and failure. Resist change and you will fail. Embrace it, roll with it and transform to succeed in life.

So next time you’re faced with what seems to be an insurmountable challenge, remember to improvise, adapt and overcome.


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