Beyond the Game: 5 RULES for Championing Change and Overcoming Adversity

In a world constantly in flux, the ability to navigate change and overcome adversity isn't just a skill—it's a superpower. Kurt A. David, founder of Change Like A Champion, embodies this truth, drawing on a lifetime of transitions, from professional athlete to Emmy-winning TV host and executive producer and now a sought-after speaker. His journey reveals profound insights into not only surviving change but thriving within it, offering a roadmap for leaders, entrepreneurs, and growth-minded individuals.

Kurt's story begins in a bustling household of eight, where early lessons in sharing and service laid a foundational ethic. Both parents, deeply rooted in service-oriented professions, instilled in their six children a commitment to giving back. This upbringing, coupled with a strong Christian faith, shaped Kurt's perspective, emphasizing actions over words: “I really want to live my life preaching Jesus with my actions louder than my words.”

The transition from professional basketball, forced by a knee injury at 28, was Kurt’s first major encounter with radical change. This period of struggle and uncertainty, however, birthed a new purpose. He pursued a master’s degree in counseling, then embarked on a mission to understand how other professional athletes successfully transitioned out of their careers. This led to his first book, “From Glory Days,” a TV show, and ultimately, a speaking career focused on the universal principles of change and success.

God's Timetable: The Ultimate Challenge

One of the most significant lessons Kurt learned was the profound difference between human ambition and divine timing. As an athlete, every goal was meticulously planned, every outcome immediately measurable. But in life, and especially in faith, he discovered the necessity of surrendering to God's perfect timing. “That’s probably one of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face,” he admits, highlighting the tension between personal drive and patient trust.

This surrender became particularly poignant during the 2020 pandemic, which drastically altered his speaking schedule. From over 130 in-person presentations in 2019 to merely five in 2020, Kurt faced a stark reminder that even the most well-laid plans are subject to higher authority. Yet, this period reinforced his commitment to “planting and watering,” trusting God to bring the growth.

The 5 Rules of Change: R.U.L.E.S.

Through his extensive interviews and personal experiences, Kurt identified five commonalities of success during transition, which he distilled into an easy-to-remember acronym: R.U.L.E.S.

1. R – Refocus: Any significant change begins with a clear refocusing of goals. This involves evaluating current objectives, establishing new ones, and strategic planning. For individuals, it ignites passion and purpose; for organizations, it defines new products or directions. This clarity is crucial, as it provides the 'new vine' to grasp when letting go of the old one.
2. U – Use Your Network: Success is rarely a solo endeavor. Tapping into one's network, both internal and external, is vital. Kurt emphasizes creating “win-win relationships,” where mutual benefit drives collaboration. He cites a former Red Wing who leveraged his network to build a successful financial advising career, helping others while advancing his own goals.
3. L – Letting Go: Often the most challenging rule, letting go means emotionally detaching from the past—both failures and successes. For athletes, ingrained with a 'never give up' mentality, this is particularly difficult. Kurt shares the story of an Olympic medalist who took six months to let go of his athletic career, contrasting it with a professional baseball pitcher who embraced his new path within a week. The key is understanding that everyone has their own timetable for this crucial step. As the Roman generals were reminded, “all glory is fleeting.” What's next?
4. E – Execute Your Plan: Change is rarely a one-and-done event. It requires continuous execution, adaptation, and perseverance. Kurt advocates for a “plan, do, check, and adjust” (PDCA) model, emphasizing the fluid nature of execution. Just like inventors who tirelessly refine their creations, individuals and organizations must persist, learning and adjusting until they achieve their desired outcome.
5. S – Someone (Mentorship): Having a mentor—someone who has navigated similar challenges or achieved desired outcomes—is invaluable. Kurt highlights Ford's reliance on Lee Iacocca's past experience during the 2008 economic downturn. A mentor provides guidance, wisdom, and a sounding board, accelerating the transition process.

The Power of Relevance and Service

Kurt passionately believes that to stay relevant, individuals and organizations must continually learn and grow. He challenges the notion that past achievements guarantee future success, particularly for athletes who face a 100% job loss rate and staggering statistics of financial ruin and divorce post-career. “How do you remain relevant?” he asks, underscoring the need to adapt and evolve without abandoning core principles.

For Kurt, staying relevant is deeply intertwined with his faith and purpose: “I have to take a deep dive into my faith every morning.” This daily spiritual grounding, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning through books and influential people, fuels his ability to serve God and others. His motivation isn't personal gain, but to use his gifts to impact lives.

His wife, a social worker, serves as his most influential mentor, providing balance and grounding. Their reciprocal relationship, though sometimes challenging, fosters continuous growth and understanding.

Overcoming Adversity: A Call to Action

Kurt's ultimate message for Christian business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs who often feel isolated and overwhelmed is one of resilience and purpose: “How do we come back from adversity? What is it that we do? And I think that the mantra I mentioned earlier, fall down seven, get up, eight.”

His life is a testament to the power of embracing change, leveraging networks, letting go of the past, executing with persistence, and seeking wise counsel. It’s a call to action to use every challenge as an opportunity for growth, to serve others with the gifts God has provided, and to live a life that speaks louder than words.