The Power of Adaptability: How Humans Thrive in an Ever-Changing World
Thoughts on our ability to adapt, learn fast and move on so we can thrive in this brave new AI world that's out on the horizon.
We have the ability to quickly learn, evolve, and navigate unforeseen challenges. In this article, I will explore the power of adaptability and resilience and how we can learn for the future. From work to personal growth, I’ll discuss the advantage of human flexibility and how to further develop your brain’s natural ability to adapt to new circumstances.
First thing to know: how the brain processes changes
Neuroplasticity - the brain's capacity to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections and modifying existing ones - allows the brain to adapt to new situations, learn from experiences, and develop new skills. Through a process called synaptic plasticity, neurons can strengthen or weaken their connections in response to external stimuli or internal changes. On to even more brain-related jargon…
Adaptability and resilience involve various brain regions and processes:
The prefrontal cortex enables planning, decision-making, and problem-solving, facilitating adaptive strategies.
The amygdala (almond-shaped structure deep within the brain) plays a role in emotional processing and helps regulate emotional responses to change.
The hippocampus aids in learning from past experiences and adjusting to similar challenges in the future.
The brain's stress response system, involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, affects cognitive functions and emotional regulation, impacting adaptability and resilience. In response to stress, these structures release hormones like cortisol, which affect cognitive functions and emotional regulation. The ability to modulate stress responses is crucial for maintaining adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity.
What can we do to enhance our adaptability and resilience?
Quite a lot actually. Yet, just like everything else that’s important to our lives and well being - it takes time, practice and willigness. 3 things that you can absolutely start doing today are practicing mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and emotional regulation.
These techniques engage specific brain networks, promoting the development of adaptive neural pathways and facilitating flexible responses to change. Don’t be scared if it sounds too complicated, it’s really not. Here’s how:
Mindfulness
Set aside dedicated time each day for mindfulness practice. Find a quiet space and focus your attention on the present moment, observing your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment.
Engage in deep breathing exercises to anchor yourself in the present moment. Pay attention to your breath as it enters and leaves your body, allowing it to bring you back to the present whenever your mind wanders.
Incorporate mindfulness into daily activities by engaging in them fully. Whether it's eating, walking, or washing dishes, bring your full attention to the task at hand, savoring the sensory experience and being fully present in the moment.
Cognitive Restructuring
(I’ve written an article in detail about this)
Recognize negative or unhelpful thought patterns. Become aware of recurring negative thoughts or self-limiting beliefs that may hinder adaptability and resilience.
Challenge and reframe negative thoughts by replacing them with more positive and realistic alternatives. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, "I always fail at new things," reframe it to, "I may face challenges, but I can learn and grow from them."
Practice self-compassion and embrace a growth mindset. Understand that setbacks and failures are part of the learning process, and view them as opportunities for personal growth and improvement.
Emotional Regulation
Develop self-awareness by identifying and labeling your emotions. Take the time to understand what you are feeling and why.
Engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or engaging hobbies to help regulate emotions and promote a sense of calm.
Practice healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and difficult emotions. This may include journaling, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Adaptability & Resilience in business - the biggest fails
Remember Kodak, the company that dominated the photography industry for decades but failed to adapt to the digital revolution? How about Nokia - the mobile phone manufacturer that went from #1 in the world to insignificance and bankruptcy by failing to adapt to the new era of digital touchscreen devices? (I used to do customer support for Nokia many many years ago - I remember when iPhone had just launched and passionate Nokia customers were calling support to ask if Nokia would also launch a touchscreen device & at an affordable price; we used to send this feedback to Nokia on & on and the corporate answer was: “that’s not what customers want and need, our research shows that very few people would buy a touchscreen phone”. I guess they knew better….).
Personal Adaptability & Resilience
On an individual level, adaptability is equally crucial. Remember COVID, when we had to transition from a traditional office setting to remote work during the pandemic? While the sudden shift presented numerous challenges, people who were adaptable quickly adjusted their routines, embraced new technologies, and maintained productivity.
Our ability to adapt to the changing circumstances allowed us to thrive despite the disruption. Fast-forward 2 years and now what was “adapting to new circumstances” actually became the new norm: people expect to work from home in their new found freedom & hang in to the flexibility that working form home offers.
Here are 6 stories of personal resilience, in case you need some extra inspiration:
Serena Williams: The Champion's Mindset
Serena Williams, the legendary tennis player, has overcome numerous setbacks and challenges on her path to becoming one of the greatest athletes of all time. From injuries to personal struggles, Williams has consistently demonstrated adaptability and resilience, always rising to the top of her game. Williams' story teaches us the power of a strong mindset and unwavering determination. Her ability to adapt her game, embrace challenges, and persist in the face of adversity inspires us to pursue excellence in our chosen fields.
Greta Thunberg: The Environmental Activist
Greta Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist, has become a powerful voice in the fight against climate change. With her unwavering determination, she has inspired a global movement of young people demanding urgent action from world leaders. Thunberg's story teaches us the importance of adaptability in the face of systemic challenges. She has adapted her message to different audiences, using her voice and platform to influence change. Her resilience in the face of criticism and adversity reminds us of the power of unwavering commitment to a cause.
Maya Angelou: The Poet of Strength
Maya Angelou, the celebrated poet and civil rights activist, is renowned for her ability to transform pain into poetry. Throughout her life, Angelou faced racial discrimination, trauma, and personal struggles. Yet, she emerged as a voice of resilience, inspiring generations with her words. Angelou's story teaches us the importance of resilience in the face of hardship. She showed us that our experiences, no matter how challenging, can fuel our growth and empower us to create art and inspire others.
J.K. Rowling: From Adversity to Creativity
J.K. Rowling, the acclaimed author of the Harry Potter series, demonstrates extraordinary adaptability and resilience in her personal and professional life. Facing financial struggles and rejections from multiple publishers, Rowling persisted in pursuing her passion for writing, eventually becoming one of the most successful authors of all time. Rowling's story reminds us of the power of perseverance and the ability to adapt our dreams and goals in the face of adversity. Her journey teaches us that failure is not the end but an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Malala Yousafzai: The Voice of Education
Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani education activist and Nobel laureate, has become a global icon for her unwavering dedication to girls' education. Despite surviving a near-fatal attack by the Taliban, Malala's resilience and determination propelled her to advocate fearlessly for the rights of girls worldwide. Her ability to rise above personal tragedy and channel her experience into a global movement inspires us to stand up for what we believe in and create lasting change.
Malala Yousafzai's story continues to resonate as she demonstrates adaptability and resilience through her ongoing fight for education and gender equality. From creating the Malala Fund to becoming the youngest-ever United Nations Messenger of Peace, Malala consistently adapts her strategies to bring about meaningful change.
Oprah Winfrey: A Champion of Transformation
Oprah Winfrey, the iconic media mogul and philanthropist, has left an indelible mark on the world. Her journey from a challenging childhood marked by poverty and abuse to becoming one of the most influential women globally exemplifies adaptability and resilience in action. Winfrey's transformative power lies in her remarkable ability to connect with her audience and stay attuned to their evolving interests. From her groundbreaking talk show to her magazine, television network, and production company, Winfrey continually adapts her platforms to address pertinent issues and engage her followers. Her story teaches us the importance of remaining authentic, open to growth, and aligned with the changing needs of our communities.
My Point
Because of the advancements in technology, change happens now at a faster rate than anywhere in history even before. It is through our ability to embrace change, learn from it, and proactively respond that we thrive in this world in constant change. How our future looks like depends on our ability to adapt, learn fast and move on.
About me
Hi - I’m Benonica. With 16 years experience as a CX Leader, People Manager & Coach - I created this Substack to empower people to transform their career & relationship with work, colleagues & themselves. I write about coaching, leadership, customer experience, startups, and thinking about AI & how it will change our world. If you need a coach - happy to have a conversation.