"Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times"

To keep winning in life, you’ve got to adapt to the changing world around you. That’s the crux of the idea here. Think about it—what works today might not work tomorrow. The world’s constantly evolving, and if you want to stay ahead, you’ve got to evolve with it.

Imagine you’re running a business. Decades ago, a small bookstore might’ve thrived in a local neighborhood. People loved browsing shelves, flipping through pages, and chatting with the owner. Fast forward to today, and most people are buying books online. They want convenience and quick delivery—think Amazon. If that small bookstore didn’t embrace the internet or offer online sales, it probably wouldn’t last long.

Let's take a peek at a real-life example: Netflix. Remember when Netflix started as a DVD rental-by-mail service? It was a big hit back in the day. But as technology advanced and streaming became the norm, they didn’t stick to their old ways. They shifted gears, embraced streaming, and look where they are now—one of the giants of the entertainment industry. If they’d resisted change, they’d likely be a footnote in history, rather than a leader.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by staying curious. Keep an eye on trends and be open to learning new skills. If you’re in a job that’s being transformed by technology, don’t resist it. Dive in, take a course, or ask for training. Adaptation is all about being proactive rather than reactive. It’s about seeing change as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Now, picture this: you’ve been in your job for a decade. You’re comfortable. You know the ropes. But there’s a shift happening—maybe it's new software your company’s starting to use. You hear some colleagues grumbling about it. They liked the old way better. It’s easy to fall into that trap, right? But instead, you decide to embrace the change. You take the time to learn the new system, even if it means staying late a few nights. Your adaptability doesn’t go unnoticed. When a promotion comes up, who do you think they’ll consider? The person who’s stuck in their ways, or the one who’s shown they can roll with the punches?

Ultimately, it’s about mindset. Don’t get too comfortable with the status quo. Stay flexible, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It’s like surfing—you’ve got to ride the waves, not fight them. If you do, you’ll find yourself not just surviving, but thriving, no matter what comes your way.

So next time you’re faced with change, think about Netflix. Think about how adaptation led them to extraordinary success. And remember, you’ve got the power to do the same in your own life. It’s all about adjusting your sails to the winds of change.