Thinking about my brother recently. I don’t think he reads my blog He recently stated he doesn’t read at all, other than for work. Whew.

We’re not alike. At all.

The only thing we have in common is a short fuse (as does our father) and a similar voice.
Physically, quite different. Intellectually, quite different. Hobbies, religious views, food palette, interest in news, the list goes on….all quite different.

I’m starting to realize that if there’s one thing he’s been particularly bad at – it’s adapt. He prefers calling a person to talk to them rather than text, email, facebook (which he doesn’t have). He constantly eats at the same places, not venturing for new adventures. He’s stubborn and always thinks he’s right – which are some of the worst traits for learning (and improving).

In a recent meeting with one of my senior leadership team, I discussed the idea of mentorship. There are traits that this senior leader has that I would like to learn/improve on. He was surprised by my initiative, stating that it’s quite important to be able to recognize one’s own faults – in order to improve them. /agree

And I realize – while I’m stubborn (I think this is a genetic trait /not really), I’m generally willing to hear ideas and admit I don’t have all the answers. In fact, my enormous doubt, doubt of my self, while personally not the best trait, does allow me the larger opportunity of a key ability – improvement. But while everyone can always improve, the second part of this is the willingness to do so. This probably cannot be learned, it’s gotta be inherent, or inspired. For me, I think it came from inspiration. From my friends and colleagues throughout the years. More so my professional colleagues as I’ve grown considerably professionally. I probably still have leaps and bounds to grow personally :/

Anyways, with the willingness to improve, AND the ability to do so, I feel I’ve been able to improve significantly over the last few years. For my closest professional colleagues, they often tell me that the me from 7 years ago is night and day to who I am now. That I’ve changed considerably. But this change did not come solely from improvement. This change also came from my ability to properly adapt to the situation presented.

I’ve often stated that Reliability is the one trait you need to succeed. Passion is the one trait you need to excel. I’m not completely sure if Adaptability falls into Reliability or not…but for the purposes of this post, I’ll assume not (otherwise, this post has no point!). But I think Adaptability is also one trait you also need to succeed.

I’m just in the midst of adjusting my most important rules for professional success “Reliability to succeed. Passion to excel.” and I really want to factor in Adaptability…
“Reliability and Adaptability to succeed. Passion to excel.”
“Reliability to succeed. Passion to excel. Adaptability to survive.” (cue Darwinism)
“Reliability to succeed. Passion to excel. Adaptability to endure.”
I don’t know (but I really like this last one).

Anyways, gonna give this more thought but feel free to leave a comment with your recommendation! :D