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I’ve been hinting at a program that’s coming, adapt.succeed.together. and today I want to tell you a bit more about it. 

If you’ve been listening to recent episodes you’ll know I’ve been interviewing my colleagues, fellow facilitators. And I’ve got two more of those coming in the next two weeks. But for today, let me tell you more about the program we’re launching.

What IS Adapt.Succeed.Together.?

This is a group version of the program Adapt and Succeed Abroad created by Sundae Schneider-Bean, that combines Adapt and Succeed Abroad with a community element, so you’re working with not just one facilitator, but you’re benefiting from the experience and learning of other clients and other facilitators too, all in one package called adapt.succeed.together.

The program puts together all of the core challenges expats face over the course of many years of rotational expat life, into one platform. It’s the first and only program that addresses things that go beyond the obvious, beyond logistics: the deeper issues people struggle with. It teaches the right mindset and strategies to expedite your success, in whatever you came to do – whether that’s a job or taking care of your family – whatever it is, this program is designed to elevate your experience abroad and your performance. It helps to take away that layer of stress and overwhelm that drains you of focus, energy, joy – so you can do what you came to do.

The program teaches strategies for how to see, approach, & solve problems such as

• Chaos & overwhelm, Feeling incompetent
• Leaving well & arriving well
• Adapting to the culture and cultivating relationships – in your home, in your host country, and at home
• Avoiding burnout
  

You learn strategies you can implement yourself and in relationship with a facilitator, when the challenges come up, to fast track working through those challenges … so you’re more empowered, have clarity faster, and can spend your energy on your top priorities. So you’re feeling productive.

SO THAT you can do your job. Basically that’s what it comes down to.

It’s also a safe, neutral 3rd party where you can admit what you’re struggling with, without worrying about how that looks to your employer or your partner’s employer. I think this is really important and something that’s missing for the vast majority of people. Even if your insurance covers counseling and similar services, you might feel like you don’t want to submit that reimbursement claim. So having a place where you can let your hair down, where you don’t have to have it all together, is huge. 

And, built into the program is long term community. There’s the community of people who are going through the materials at the same time, so you’re building connections and friendships. Then you also have ongoing community with free access to Q&A times with me and other facilitators, so you know you’re not alone, you have people to bounce ideas off of, people who know this vocabulary you’re using, they know about the same toolkit and can help remind you of what’s at your fingertips, whenever you need it.

This program was created because it’s a more affordable option than going through all of this training and coaching would be if you were to work 1:1 with a coach for a long period. Here it’s a combination of DIY recorded lessons and reflection exercises … paired WITH a number of facilitated sessions to help you get more out of the materials, and help you see how to apply it directly to your exact situation and circumstances…  Plus a circle of people sharing their insights which amplifies your own learning.

Honestly if I’d known about a program like this when we were first starting out, I would have jumped on it. I’d read little bits before we ever moved away about the emotional rollercoaster that would happen while adjusting to a new culture and life, about how repatriation might be the hardest adjustment of all. So I knew it was going to be challenging.

If I’d seen a program like this and thought we could have someone holding our hand, teaching us not just how to do it once, but teaching us how to get along for the whole time abroad, with targeted support now but lifetime access so we could dip in every time we faced challenges, that would have been a game changer and I would have jumped on it.

We’ve had a great experience, don’t get me wrong. There are some things we could have done better, and I’m so glad to have learned what I have in the last couple of years that is going to keep paying dividends for the rest of our lives abroad and for the rest of our lives.

And I say I would have jumped on it if I’d known about it years ago. Absolutely. But it’s not just for newbies. It’s been incredible going through the program after more than 10 years out, I learned SO much from this program, it’s been a huge benefit. 

Let me tell you just a few bits of what’s helped me. In no particular order, just how they came to mind: 

Here are some reasons Why We Could Have Used This Program Before

1. Choosing wise counsel

When we first moved abroad we quickly made very close friends, who are still some of our very closest friends even though we’re scattered around the globe.

I would not trade our experiences together for anything.

And I also recognize after the fact that sometimes our conversations didn’t help us rise above our frustrations, but kept us swirling about in them.

We helped each other by letting each other vent, and then agreeing, and we dealt with frustrations by coming up with solutions from our own perspective.

I think we would have benefitted from seeking out other points of view from people who had different experience, more experience and perspective. This program would have helped us recognize where we were being lazy or where we were not intentionally cultivating a diverse social network to give us broader perspectives, which would help combat certain types of frustrations.

2. Cultivating relationships intentionally

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Hey I’m interrupting for just a moment.

If you like what you hear, and someone you know is coming to mind who could benefit from adapt.succeed.together. would you do them a favor and share this episode with them right now? That’s it. Share the episode and say, “I was thinking of you, thought this could really help.” Or “This sounds amazing, you should check it out!” Make someone’s day brighter.

Now back to our show.

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2. Cultivating relationships intentionally

By nature, my husband and I are introverts and home bodies and we tend to join into social activities that are happening around us, that someone else has organized, but when it comes to organizing our own efforts for social engagement, it’s an area we can still grow.

And I’ll be perfectly honest, we have stayed mostly within an expat bubble. It’s a multicultural bubble, and we’ve gained a lot from it. But we could do more to cultivate relationships with people who are not like us.

This is one area the Adapt and Succeed Abroad program has opened my eyes to what I’m missing by not intentionally working on friendships and connections with local people.

Also, I’ve lived with a lot of tension over being separated from my family and friends “back home” – and I still say “back home” even though I don’t really feel like I belong there anymore.

This is an area I have made leaps and bounds in because of the strategies and mindsets I’ve learned through the Adapt and Succeed Abroad program. I have a really different attitude and feeling now about living so far away, and that sense of nagging regret is very much reduced. 

If this piques your interest, there’s a free webinar on this topic later this week – check the link in the show notes.

3. Dealing with chaos and overwhelm and uncertainty

This one is huge, and it’s one that comes up over and over again, because … life happens. 

I’ve always been a pretty even keeled person, I don’t tend to get excitable – at least in a way others will see.

Right before last baby was born I was recounting to my friends all the things that were not settled yet – I was getting close to that nesting stage and there were a lot of moving parts that we didn’t have answers to – who’s going to watch the kids, where are we going to stay, will my doula be able to make it, etc. etc. One of my friends said, “Gosh, it’s amazing that you’re not in a panic!” And the other friend said, “This IS Kim in a panic!” and I said YES you know me well. I have just listed out a whole bunch of things that are weighing on me. That’s me in a panic.

Nevertheless, this thing of too much to do, so much to do I can’t even think where to start, can’t decide what’s most important, keep distracting myself with another item on the to-do list…

This happens frequently. Not just when you’re trying to organize an international move or have just arrived and are trying to set up life. But also around the holidays when the calendar gets jam packed. When a new child is starting school and there’s a lot to organize. When we’re preparing for several weeks away in the summer. When somebody in the house is sick and all the routines get thrown off.

So now, because of the tools in Adapt and Succeed Abroad program, I have a sense of security knowing that I can put the brakes on, figure out what’s most important, and make a plan to get it done. That sounds simple, and it is, but sometimes I need someone to show me how to simplify a situation that feels like too much.

The end result is I have more confidence and assurance because I’ve got this thing in my back pocket that’ll help me through those situations. And I’ve got a whole community of people who speak the same vocabulary to turn to, to remind me of the tools in my pocket. So that just takes the temperature down a few notches.

4. Finding satisfaction now

I’ve spent a lot of time in my life looking forward to the future. Ah, I’ll be happy when such-and-such situation comes to pass. That’s when my life will really begin.

• When my child goes to school, then I’ll really be able to concentrate.
• When the weather warms up, then I’ll enjoy mornings because it won’t be so cold.
• When the weather cools down, I’ll exercise more.

You get the idea. The list is almost endless.

Now, because of the exercises in the program my expectation has changed. I started practicing getting what I want NOW. Right in the middle of the situation that isn’t ideal, I can already have a taste of that success. 

This is an amazing gift. To be able to cherish my life now, even while I’m waiting for that desired outcome to happen.

5. Energy for the long haul

We used to exist in cycles of excitement and discouragement – high energy and crash – loving the possibilities and opportunities and then feeling desperate for a change, actually on the edge of burnout.

I’ve learned how to recognize what I need and how to give it to myself. This is one of the best things that will keep paying dividends for the rest of our lives.

If this is a topic you’re interested in, one of my colleagues has a free webinar tomorrow – January 26 – there’s a link in the shownotes.

That’s 5 reasons I wish I’d had this in my hands sooner. Just the tip of the iceberg. 

And also, I want to say, this program is not so much an expense, as an investment in yourself. It’s an investment in your now and an investment in your future. Because you’re going to grow from it.

And the program grows with you too. That sounds funny, but it’s a little like peeling an onion, Every time I go in I see more, or something speaks to me now that I’m in a different circumstance. I had processed it on one level, and now when I return to that same lesson I process it on a different level. Which is why it’s relevant for all expats, even if you’re experienced, you may recognize that you’d like to do it better, or have it be easier, or make the most of the life you’re living.

So I want you to join us. Time’s getting short because we kick off on February 15. And we do have a special bonus for anyone who signs up by the 1st of February, so don’t wait. Send me a message saying, “I’m in! How do I sign up?!” or “I’m curious, I’d like to know more,” and I’ll send you the details you need. Send me an email at kim @ resilient expats .com or there’s a link in the show notes to a contact form.

I also have a free training coming up this Saturday – January 30 – where I’ll share a new metaphor for cultural adaptation and how that understanding can really help ease your growing pains and frustrations. Check the show notes for details.