Each advancement in technology, medicine, engineering, fashion, manufacturing, and so on is followed by shifts. Regardless of the industry you perform in, you will see those changes, although they might not be major. Not every advancement lingers. Some become trends and fade away without enough traction, and others seem to stick around for good.
The way we live our lives is subject to change, either dramatically or insignificantly, at any given moment. Adapting in a changing world is the best way to keep your head above water when big shifts come.
Why should I start adapting in a changing world?
Rather than see the constant industry shifts as exciting and new, some people view them as annoying. They think, “Why keep changing? I’ll never catch up.” Can you blame them? We probably all agree that consistency is nice. Some would even say it’s comforting. However, what else do we know about comfort? It’s a distraction and a false sense of security.
Change is good.
Your comfort zone will suck you in, hold you captive, prevent you from growing, and convince you that change is a bad thing. Viewing change negatively makes it the villain, when it’s often the hero we need. Choose to see all the positives that come with change, and it won’t seem so bad, even when it’s unexpected or unplanned.
So, yes, it may seem counterintuitive to adapt in a world that is always changing, but it’s better than being left in the dust while the rest of the world keeps moving.
You'll improve your strengths and weaknesses.
In the face of adversity (which is always around the corner), adaptability is crucial. It allows you to think on your feet, go with the flow when it’s too powerful to go against it, and improve upon your strengths and weaknesses. As you’re adapting in a world filled with challenges and obstacles, you’ll face them with a little more courage and a little less stress.
How do I start adapting in a world of unknowns?
Becoming adaptable is all about knowing which skills will help you the most in moments of uncertainty. Three skills that prove incredibly helpful when uncertainty strikes are:
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork skills
But how does one build upon those skills? Practice!
Boost your communication skills.
If you want to improve your communication, start with active listening. The key to being a good conversationalist is to listen more than you speak. And remember that not every silence needs to be filled. Check out these tips for improving your active listening skills.
After you’ve taken your listening skills to the next level, focus on asking good questions. Not sure what that looks like? Here are some great examples of asking the right questions.
Step up your problem solving.
When it comes to improving your problem-solving skills, there’s no guaranteed method. Problem solving is different on a case-by-case basis. But one thing is for sure: Practice leads to improvement. If you’re looking for a general framework that tackles all problem solving, check out this one.
Transform your teamwork.
In all parts of life, knowing how to work with a team is crucial. There will come a time when you have to build a team or become a part of one. Eventually, you may even lead one!
- First, teamwork requires trust and honesty.
- Second, teamwork requires good communication (we told you it’d come in handy!).
- Third, a strong team uses all members’ strengths and weaknesses to the team’s advantage.
- Fourth, the team isn’t afraid to face a challenge—together you are stronger.
- Finally, each team member wants to see the other succeed and are all aiming for the same goal.
Want to learn more? Check out this article about how to improve teamwork.
Adapting in a changing world of wonders.
Another big part of adaptability is increasing your curiosity. Look at all of the incredible things this world has to offer and tell us that you don’t want to know MORE.
If you want to become more curious, ask more open-ended questions in conversations! This keeps your discussions lively and allows the other speaker to expand on their responses. Get answers from experts, get answers from books, get answers from every perspective that you value. Then, when you think you’ve asked all the questions, open your eyes and observe. Take in as much as your brain will handle. Look around at how people act, react, and interact. Analyze the inner workings of places and things. Then, use that information to help you adapt! Put that knowledge into action and use it to help you achieve whatever it is you set out to accomplish.
Adapt to become a better version of you!
As this ever-changing world keeps turning, it’s important that you keep turning too. Hopefully, you’ll constantly (and consistently) search for ways to improve who you are and how you are.
