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If there is anything that can describe me, it's that I'm a creature of habit. I love plans and schedules (and planning and scheduling). I love forewarning and predictability. I want to anticipate upcoming circumstances and optimize the benefit with organization and prior groundwork.

You can also interpret that to mean I do not like change, unexpected situations, or spontaneity. This latter side of the coin causes a problem in the world Heraclitus correctly described:

Change is the only constant.

The only rational way to deal with this reality is to accept it and deal with it. Whether I want them to or not, my kids grow up and move away. I can either resist and cry, or I can help them prepare and wipe away the tears while rejoicing that they are responsible adults (most of the time).

Recognizing that change is inevitable, and working to use that change to our advantage—rather than sticking our collective heads in the sand and waiting for it to plow over us—is a real key to long-term success.

You must pay attention to the early warning signals coming from your environment and anticipate change, even when things are going right. Most people wait for something to go wrong before they think of change. This like going to the doctor for a checkup only if you're seriously sick or like thinking of maintaining your vehicle just when it breaks down.

Anticipating changes that may be coming—and preparing for them—can allow you to capitalize on them rather than be crushed by them.

What changes can you see on the horizon? How can you prepare for them? How can you make the most of them?

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Alison Moore Smith is a 60-year-old entrepreneur, who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 39 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons.