Yesterday, whilst visiting Hengelo for the weekend, we met with our new friends Gert & Nicky Aalderink for a lovely dinner. During our conversation we talked about dandelions for a minute or two.

As a child I learned that blowing on dandelion puffballs can tell you if it’s time to go home, how many years it will be until you find the right person and get married, or perhaps even how many children you’ll have – and naturally, if you catch a flying dandelion seed, you can make a wish!

All of this is just plain nonsensical childish fun – of course!

Dandelions however grow and flourish almost anywhere.

Why?

Simply stated – they can adapt exceptionally well to any changing conditions.

Recently, I have been asked a lot about adapting to change. And so, I thought this morning, (having facilitated many learning sessions on the topic over many years,) I’d share my top ten tips on adapting to change. Here they are…..

1 – Focus on what you can control

2 – Accept and embrace change

3 – Recognise, understand and acknowledge your emotions

4 – Avoid catastrophising about the future

5 – Regulate your stress levels by slowing down

6 – Always get support from others

7 – Establish daily healthy routines and good habits

8 – Always be curious about the new experience

9 – Take one baby step at a time

10 – Seek out new opportunities that will certainly arise.

Dandelion seeds blowing in the wind, land in all kinds of different places. To survive, grow and flourish, they have to adapt to their ever changing environment.

In a like manner as each of us face an ever changing environment at home, in the workplace and most certainly in the mission field, we must adapt quickly to survive, grow and flourish!

What is one your best tips on adapting to change?