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Adapt, Lead, and Grow: A Personal Journey Through Cancer and Change

  • Writer: Craig  Law-Smith
    Craig Law-Smith
  • Feb 6
  • 3 min read

Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”


There are plenty of well-known phrases out there: adaptive leadership, thriving in change, and change is the only constant. Looking at the shifts in the tech industry and the U.S. government, it's clear that waves of uncertainty, innovation, and disruption are touching leaders like you every day. With change swirling around, it's easy to feel unanchored.


Since it is National Cancer Awareness Month, I want to share a personal lesson—how cancer taught me resilience and the art of “balancing in change”. These insights are rooted in my lived experience but are backed by contemplative wisdom and science.



1. Come to Peace with What Is


Whatever has happened or is happening, face it directly. Don’t suppress it or rush past it. Take the time to process what’s unfolding in your life and leadership.


Science underscores the power of processing emotions: reflection and acceptance activate the brain’s prefrontal cortex, enhancing your ability to respond rather than react impulsively.


Try practices like:


  • Journaling your thoughts to clarify emotions.

  • Walks in nature to reset your mind.

  • Leaning on a supportive community.

  • Prioritizing sleep, exercise, and healthy nutrition.

  • Engaging in activities that restore joy and energy.


These aren’t just self-help ideas—research consistently shows that these habits improve resilience, cognitive performance, and overall well-being.


2. Find the Calm After the Storm


Once you’ve processed the change, you can shift into a calmer, more grounded state. Think of it as the clarity that follows a storm. With this mental stillness, you’re better positioned to identify new possibilities and opportunities.


From this vantage point:

  • Ask yourself: What doors might this change be opening?

  • Reflect on lessons the disruption might be offering.

  • Visualize how you can leverage your newfound clarity.


Being grounded in change enables you to spot potential paths.


3. Take Small, Consistent Steps


Big transformations don’t come from grand leaps—they arise from small, intentional actions taken consistently. Define your meaningful goals and move toward them step by step.


Key tips to consider:


  • Break your larger goals into manageable tasks.

  • Celebrate progress, no matter how small.

  • Be ready to pivot as circumstances evolve.

  • Let go of attachment to specific outcomes; focus instead on the process.


Remember, you control your actions, not the results. This mindset shift, emphasized in Stoic philosophy and modern psychology, reduces stress and enhances performance.


4. Recognize the Gift in Change


Over time, you may come to see even difficult experiences as gifts. The lessons you’ve learned might become tools for helping others or for navigating future challenges with grace and wisdom.

In my journey with cancer, I discovered the importance of being present, not being led by fear,  and a deeper sense of purpose—gifts I wouldn’t have unwrapped without the challenge.


No Hacks, It is About Practice and Compassion


Navigating change isn’t about shortcuts. It requires patience, perseverance, and self-compassion. Be kind to yourself as you adapt and grow.

Yes, change can bring loss and uncertainty, but remember—this too will pass. Nothing is permanent. The realization that you don’t need to hold on to anything can be incredibly liberating.


As Viktor Frankl, Psychologist and Holocaust Survivor, said, 

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”



Sign up [here] for more practical insights on conscious leadership and sustained peak performance.


Wave Coaching offers keynotes, workshops, and private 1:1 coaching—designed to help you lead through change and thrive. Book a session to connect and explore what’s possible.

“Catalyst for Greatness”
“Catalyst for Greatness”


 

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