Learning to harness the power of adaptability will not only improve your life but also the lives of others. To some, myself included, adaptability may seem like a superpower. I mean how can we adapt to this modern society that’s changing at the speed of light? Not to mention, all the challenges and changes we might experience in our work and personal lives. Today we are going to explore the possibilities of increasing our adaptability. Although it may be a trait that we may not be naturally blessed with we can actually develop it and improve our lives in the process.

What is Adaptability?

Adaptability is defined as the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.

My definition of adaptability is the superpower of being able to adjust to new conditions, people, places, situations or circumstances.

The reason, I think that adaptability is a superpower is because “change” is hard. Let’s face it, most of us feel the happiest in their comfort zone. That’s where the “comfort zone” gets its name from. It just feels good! Unfortunately, life doesn’t work this way. You take the plunge to get out of your comfort zone to pursue personal growth. Or better yet, life’s changing landscape may thrust you out. Either way, adaptability can be your new best friend. It can help you to rise above challenges and win in life.

According to the Gallup Strengths Finders, those who are intrinsically gifted with adaptability can be described as :

“Having the ability to live in the present, freely and willingly able to respond to the demands and changes of the moment. When things change, people with the strength of Adaptability easily adapt and change—they are flexible.”

But what about the rest of us? Is it possible to develop the strength of adaptability? 

I say yes. While it may not be easy, it is possible. Read on to learn how.

Getting a Grip on Your Mindset Can Increase Your Adaptability

Problems, change, stress – they’re all part of everyone’s life, no one is exempt. Adaptability means seeing these everyday occurrences as a normal part of life. Those who develop a mental toughness which causes them to see adversities and failures as ways to learn lessons and improve harness the power of adaptability. They expect challenges so, even before the challenges occur, they have the intention of facing them head-on and finding solutions.

Adaptability is a choice. It’s you making up your mind to be flexible, responsive, analytical, and solution-oriented. Choosing to be adaptive, instead of fighting the issue means that you’re giving yourself the freedom to take action to find a solution. Choosing to be adaptive means you’re the victor and not the victim. How adaptable are you? If you’ve been rigid in the past, causing problems for yourself and others, there is hope for you.

Here are some questions and tips to help you harness the power of adaptability: 

1. How’s your sense of humor? Humor can be a great ally for you by helping you to increase your adaptability. Humor can offer a different perspective on yourself and your situation. Humor can help you see the fun in the situation when you make a simple mistake. It can assist you in learning from your mistakes, by not taking yourself so seriously.

2. How well do you control your negative emotions? Negative emotions can get you into a lot of trouble. When you’re in a stressful situation, try to remove yourself until you have your emotions under control. When you’re calmer, deal with the situation with a sense of power. 

3. Do you see change as normal or does it throw you for a loop? Evaluate the way you react to unexpected events. Make a conscious effort to take changes in stride. This is a skill you can learn, and it will help you in many different ways.

4. How good are you at saying “No”? If you’re stressed because you’ve overcommitted yourself, it’s harder to adapt to situations as they arise. Make your schedule work for you, not against you. Learn to say “No,” calmly and firmly, when you need to.

5. Is your lifestyle way too complicated? Learn to simplify your life. Get rid of clutter and distractions that wear you out subconsciously and get in the way of progress. Decide what’s essential and how you really want to spend your time, and concentrate on that.

2 Final Thoughts About Adaptability

Did you know that the ancient Chinese symbol for “crisis” is exactly the same as the symbol for “opportunity?” Seeing problems (or changes) as opportunities is a great way to be successful in business and in life. It’s usually a matter of perspective, so why not adopt the perspective that will lead to you to greater joy and happiness?

Also, realize that life is always just black and white. There are many gray areas. That is, there are some things in life that are both good and bad. For instance, when you experience a violent storm, it’s easy to complain about the weather. The wind and the rain can seem terrifying, especially when coupled with the crash of thunder and the bright crackle of lightning splitting the sky. But ask any farmer, and they’ll tell you that even storms have great benefits. The rain is necessary for their crops. And believe it or not, lightning, when it strikes the ground, puts nitrogen into the soil that’s so badly needed for plants to grow.

So continue to fortify your mind, by accepting that change is inevitable. Be mindful that often times change has gray areas. What might seem dark in the beginning may actually be responsible for the sunshine at the end of the day. Always remember, that perspective is everything.

Be well + prosper,

Elaine xo