Build for Tomorrow summary

If we’re to overcome the Panic phase, we need to approach the change from an entirely different viewpoint. Rather than dwelling on the things we’d lose, we need to shift our focus on the things we’d gain and the opportunities that the change presents.

Let's go back to Sousa. He was so concerned about the phonograph and radio taking his career away that he didn't realize the endless possibilities these new devices could bring him. Yes, it's true that when recorded music replaced live performances, it stripped many musicians of their jobs. But this same change also paved the way for other musicians to grow in popularity.

We've identified that panic comes from the fear of losing the things you're used to, and in the process, you think you'll also lose yourself. Imagine you're working as a newspaper reporter, and then the industry starts dying. Now you have to find a job elsewhere. When you go through that career shift, the first thing you'll probably feel is your identity getting shaken. If you're no longer a newspaper reporter, what are you?

This is where you can pause and start to define your real purpose – your why. After getting past the panic and believing that there are bigger and brighter opportunities waiting for you, you now need to adapt to that change. Adapting to changes means determining what part of you changes and what doesn't.

Adapting to change doesn't end after determining your core why. To successfully adjust to the change, you need to be the instigator of change. Yes, we've already established that change is scary and oftentimes painful, and nobody wants to go through that. You may think it's foolish to initiate the change instead of sitting back and waiting for it to happen to you. But that was exactly how Sam Calagione, founder of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, won the long game.

Back in 2003, Calagione made a tasty India Pale Ale – or IPA – with 6 percent alcohol by volume. He called it the 60 Minute IPA. It was a hit. In fact, it was so well received that business owners from all across the country began calling his brewery to place orders for their liquor stores, bars, and restaurants. Three years later and the 60 Minute IPA was still selling out, almost reaching 70 to 80 percent of Dogfish's sales.

So, you’ve gotten over the panic and have already adapted to the change. Now, you're ready to navigate the third phase of change: the New Normal. Unfortunately, it isn't as easy as it seems. You may have come to actually like the new changes because of the potential opportunities they offer, but your brain isn't wired to simply let go of the past. You’ll probably feel nostalgic, and still want to have your old things despite getting acclimated to the new ones.

So how can you get past this issue? Build a Bridge of Familiarity. Take something from your old experience and add it to the new opportunity in front of you.

You're finally in the last phase of change. You're living in the full-blown New Normal and are almost at the point where you wouldn't even want to return to the way things were even if you could. You're almost at your Wouldn't Go Back moment.

But for some reason, you aren't entirely at ease with the change. So what’s wrong?