Positive Adaptation
Life changes at a far greater speed and pace than ever before. Change is with us, it seems constant and, as we have seen in recent years, so are disappointment and difficult times. The ability to bounce back, re-assess and adapt is now as important as it was to hunter gatherers. It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change. -Charles Darwin The dictionary definition I found is “The ability to change (or be changed) to fit changed circumstance”. I really like this because, for me, if it’s an ability, that means it can be taught and learnt or harnessed. Everyone has the basic capability to be adaptable – without this we would not be able to function in the world. So, given the importance of developing adaptability, surely the more opportunities there are (or that we are presented with) that invite us to adapt successfully, the better! This means embracing change rather that our natural first reaction, which is to resist it.
Adaptability in our world today means a whole bunch of things: Keeping calm in the face of difficulties. Persisting in the face of difficulties. Taking on new challenges at short notice. Saying “YES’ to challenges. Dealing with changing priorities and workloads. Improvising. Bouncing back from setbacks and showing a positive attitude. Keeping an open mind. Seeing the bigger picture.
IN AT THE DEEP END When we push the envelope, when we intentionally put ourselves in situations that are outside our comfort zone, we grow. We need to adapt by continually evolving and reinventing ourselves. It means continuing to grow and transform, and, in a way, become better versions of ourselves. This applies to every level in an organisation, and to each of us regardless of what our job is: change or perish! Looked at positively, I think this enables us to continually work towards and fulfil our individual potential and to not necessarily stop, once we’ve reached a certain level or point in our career and life. This is probably a good thing, given that we are all going to be living and working later in life . Until we have that breakthrough and create financial stability, believe it is possible. It is far better to approach life as an adventure than with dread. Optimists embrace change typically and demonstrate a high level of self-confidence in their abilities, and are aware of their competencies, strengths, and how to enhance or adapt there skill sets to any change. Be an optimist. Is the glass half empty or half full?" is a common expression, a proverbial phrase, generally used rhetorically to indicate that a particular situation could be a cause for optimism (half full) or pessimism (half empty), or as a general litmus test to simply determine an individual's worldview. The purpose of the question is to demonstrate that the situation may be seen in different ways depending on one's point of view and that there may be opportunity in the situation as well as trouble. This idiom is used to explain how people perceive events and objects. Perception is unique to every individual and is simply one's interpretation of reality. So to be optimistic can be seen as a choice. Is the glass half full or half empty ? The choice is yours
DEVELOPING THICKER SKIN Resilience is generally thought of as a "positive adaptation" after a stressful or adverse situation. Psychological resilience is defined as an individual's ability to successfully adapt to life tasks in the face of social disadvantage or highly adverse conditions. Adversity and stress can come in the shape of family or relationship problems, health problems, or workplace and financial worries, among others.
Resilience is one's ability to bounce back from a negative experience with "competent functioning". Resilience is not a rare ability; in reality, it is found in the average individual and it can be learned and developed by virtually anyone. Resilience should be considered a process, rather than a trait to be had. It is a process of individuation through a structured system with gradual discovery of personal and unique abilities. You already have all the tools to perceive and construct a positive reality .
What are you waiting for?
Tell yourself: Everything will work out and things will get better. You are important, worthy of great things and the best is yet to come. In conclusion
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Steve Jobs
