Embracing the Need for Adaptability

When we plan our future, or think about where things are heading, we often assume a stable and predictable environment. But the world is not fixed. Simply reacting to change is no longer enough when change is so important and frequent. We need to be proactively adaptable. Identifying trends, re-assessing, changing and moving forwards. An adaptable life is one in which we thrive when we just go with the flow, change even becomes comforting and we try new things even when there is a risk of doing so.

Standing Still

As Autumn rolls in, the leaves start turning golden brown and the mornings become crisper with each week that passes. The season slowly changes from under your feet and all around you. The tennis court lays still among all this. The concrete, solid and no different; the net, hanging still; and the lines, painted straight and precisely.

In a world that is changing so quickly around us, accelerating with change at levels never seen in history, can we afford to stand still. To not change. To be identical no matter the season, no matter the year and no matter what is going on around us.

This year has taught me, as it has many others, how important adaptability is. As we move forwards in the rapidly evolving world, where changes are frequent and significant, becoming more adaptable is vital. It is a skill we can all better understand and improve upon. Standing still is simply not an option anymore.  

Proactive vs Reactive

As the ball races across the court towards us, there are just a few moments to adapt our game, work out the positioning and plan where to place the ball on the opponent’s court. We hope for something they cannot expect. Something that zooms past them, touching the outside court lines, or dropping it just beyond the net and out of their reach.

There are two types of tennis that can be played. Reactive and Proactive. Reactive is where the ball is coming towards you in an attacking way, all we can hope to do is get it over the net and inside the court. We are flustered, desperate and hoping for the best. There is no plan, prediction or control. We are just reacting to the opponents moves. Proactive tennis is where we are hitting the ‘winners’ – fast-paced, down the line or cross court, just touching within the base-line or a volley that stuns leaving them no-where near the ball.

The professionals aim for proactive play. They admit that this isn’t possible on every shot. Sometimes they just need to get the ball back. Watching tennis through this lens you can see that those making the moves and in control come out on top. In order to consistently play in this proactive way, you need to be adaptable. Constantly assessing and analysing the play on the court, trying to outperform and making necessary changes throughout the game, whilst taking in all this new information.

Why We Need Proactive Adaptability

I would argue that simply reacting is now not enough in today’s world. Copying or following in line with others, just making do with the situation or doing the bare minimal change is not an option. We need to be proactive. Identify trends, re-assess, change and move forwards. We need to hit that ball fast down the line – with precision, confidence and willingness. Not stand there and react – rushed, scared and helpless.

Whilst I don’t think this constant, persistent, unforgiving approach to playing a ‘winner’ every shot is what we need to do in our own lives, being adaptable to the dynamic play on court is.

Adaptability is not about doing everything in your control to play the best shot, it is being brave enough to change what you are doing. To be bold, move in a new direction, to admit you need to change. It is about being forward-looking, open minded to new things and being prepared to think bigger about where the world is heading and what we can do to better ourselves, in the changing nature of life.

The seasons are always changing but we are scared to move in this new direction. Unwilling to commit. Fearful of whether this is where we want to head, or what the outcomes may be.

Becoming More Adaptable

Trends are apparent often far before they become mainstream. There are cracks, hidden in the surface, that become major catastrophes but there are signs before this happens. Often the clues about where the world is heading, are in front of us. Even if slightly hidden from view. We often choose to ignore these, pretend it won’t happen or just keeping going as we don’t know what to do about it.

Yet, those who see these signs and adapt can move in the right direction, become leaders in this domain and make positive differences without the stress of rushing. Those that don’t, become flustered and do anything to just get the ball back.

However failing to notice the trend and continuing not to change is far worse. The signs become bigger and still people stand still. Some change, even if late, is better than a stubborn view of not changing at all.

An Era of Instability

There have been many struggles and challenges this year. Imagine if nothing changed, no-one moved to online calls, people didn’t download Zoom, no research was conducted into science-based strategies on how to approach the situation. People were adaptable and it paid off, it meant that at least some things continued despite the difficulties. The adaptability present in our actions has been clearly visible in the past months. But, adaptability has so much potential all the time.

Adaptation has long been around. As we evolved, we adapted to new environments. This has continued as we currently live in an era of risk and instability, with uncertainty looming around every corner. At the moment, plans cannot be made in advance. We can’t be sure when the job and economic market will recover. On top of this, globalisation, new technologies and the environment, among a few, are all causes for concern. Unpredictability is added into the mix at every turn.

Final Thoughts

When we plan our future, or think about where things are heading, we often assume a stable and predictable environment. But the world is not fixed. This does pose a challenge, but one where adaptability is key. With change, comes opportunity. The more we get used to facing this uncertainty, the more we can see the possibilities of unanticipated change. Afterall, Einstein said that ‘reality is merely an illusion — albeit a very persistent one’. By understanding this and becoming comfortable with it, we can constantly and consistently adapt and have the confidence to make decisions knowing the outcome is not definitive and having plans and ideas that are flexible and movable.

This acceptance is key in appreciating the importance of adaptability. We often relate adaptability to changing products and businesses. However, adaptability in life is required too. It is not about using a crystal ball to make predictions about the future. Instead, it is about actively engaging in the world and noticing the changes going on around us. Then, we have to be brave enough to make a bold choice or decision.

An adaptable life is one in which we thrive when we just go with the flow, change even becomes comforting and we try new things even when there is a risk of doing so.

Improving Your Own Adaptability

-        Be self-aware and aware of the environment around you – what do you see happening

-        Don’t become rigid on ideas or plans that are too future-looking – be prepared to change them

-        Reflect each week on a couple of situations, no matter how small, on where you were adaptable. This will help you recognise where and how you can use the skill

-        Ask questions,  and view situations with an open mind around about where they could end up and the many potential outcomes

-        Think of the big picture, we become so focused on our lives and thoughts. Zoom out and view the world in a more holistic way

-        When making decisions, consider the unpredictability, consider how the world may change