Embrace Adaptability

By: Jon Dwoskin
It’s a true today as it was more than 100 years ago when famed Japanese scholar Kakuzo Okakura said, “The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” Those who are adaptable tend to be the most successful.

It doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but you can work toward adopting a more adaptable attitude. Here’s why and how:

• Adaptability means being able to adjust to change. But it’s also being able to function without boundaries. Those who are adaptable can meet challenges as they arise without stress. They can find unique solutions to problems and can think through their actions.
• Being adaptable can make you more approachable. It can not only change the lens through which you look but also repurposes how the rest of the world sees you.
• The first step to embracing adaptability is to define it for yourself as it applies to your own thoughts and experiences. You might presume that you’re a team player who doesn’t flinch at change. But are you really adaptable? Ask yourself what others might say about you. If you’ve been called stubborn or a creature of habit, you might not be as adaptable as you think.
• Another sign of adaptability is productivity. Those who don’t stress about unpredicted challenges or change don’t spend too much time overthinking the situation. Adaptable people jump in, with flexibility, and typically generate immediate results in any situation.
• Individuals who don’t overreact to negative situations are often leaders. They are voices of reason who deal in realities instead of what-ifs. Adaptable people are more resourceful and can easily showcase their skills and abilities. They are determined and possess a keen eye for analytics.

Embracing adaptability means cascading these habits through every aspect of your life. You’ll be happier because the bumps in the road won’t affect you as adversely as others. And that is one fine way to …

Think BIG!

Jon