Change is Inevitable Growth is Optional: Learnings from Navigating Adversity

How do organizations and individuals respond to adverse changes challenging established definitions of success and fulfillment. In 2017, after more than 18 months of battling mysterious medical symptoms, Troy Cook heard the words of extreme life change; "You have Young Onset Parkinson's Disease." 

For years, Troy asked questions of successful companies and fulfilled individuals to identify commonalities. He had presented the common traits and characteristics to audiences for years. He told stories of success. Now, at the age of 48, in the middle of a successful career, and reaching many of his lifelong goals, Troy was faced with the inevitable change of life. 

Having to now "walk the talk" he had been presenting to others, Troy became a part of the story. The learnings over the five year period outlined in this book solidify the validity of the common traits Troy identified from the many stories and examples of fulfilled and successful companies and entities. 

As Troy moves through this journey of diagnosis and adjustment, he began to rely on the title of the book, Change is Inevitable, Growth is Optional. We learn finding growth from adverse change requires the application of a unique process, common traits, and developed skills.

Troy provides stories from several individuals and organizations walking through delicate times of adversity. With core examples of a highly successful football coach, several organizations, a former Navy Seal, and many others, the reader finds themselves with great and realistic examples of the common traits of these stories. 

Identifying the change by stepping back from the situation or resetting is the beginning of the journey. Knowing how to identify change and communicating the recognition of such change are wrapped into the lessons from Troy's personal story. 

Defining success on our terms is a constant and important theme throughout the book. Avoiding societal defaults of defining success, mission and vision create the most impactful stories of success. These examples are not just from the most famous we know, but from the everyday individuals we most want to learn from and emulate. However, we must understand the need to apply those learning and traits to our definition of success in our world. This is true of both companies and individuals. 

Having wisdom in the face of change is also identified as a necessity to finding growth in adverse change. Defining wisdom as information, knowledge and experience of both us and other's experience, wisdom allows for an easier recognition of the potential pathway for growth. 

Dedication to adapting, adjusting and repeating are essential elements in recognizing "Change is Inevitable." Without compromising the mission of an organization or individual, constant change requires us to adjust to find our new pathways to grow and affect our mission. 

Lastly, those who experience the highest levels of success have a passion or love for their mission. They embrace each day with a conditioned response to "love like a dog." This book provides the needed examples of both Troy's own experience and the many other stories providing for laughter, inspiration, dedication, and hope to face the adverse situations in life with a zest for growth.