How can I better weather the storms of life?
One of the questions that is often raised during our organizational development workshops is how to better navigate the rapid rate of changes in todays’ work environment. Each of us has a unique tolerance for coping with inevitable changes that are occurring. If we look at what the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) research suggests, each of us possesses a specific type that offers insights into how we may deal with change, https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/. Various personality types will react to change differently but the good news is, no matter what our personality type, we can always improve our adaptability and flexibility in dealing with change.
Adaptability can be defined as the process of preparing for a new challenge or unexpected event. Flexibility is the ability to respond quickly to changes that may or may not be expected.
Reflecting on natural disasters we notice that successful survival frequently relies on the elements of flexibility and adaptability. Observing Mother Nature can teach us lessons that we can use in our own lives. The Florida Oak tree and how it navigates the elements offers many insights. The Florida Oak can withstand high winds and major storms because of its strength, its branch structure, and its incredible root system. This system is created by the trees interconnectedness of their roots which creates a strong, foundational support for each other. To be more adaptable to what might happen, many Florida Oaks are pruned to allow wind to flow through them.
Stepping back from the trees, let’s examine what we can learn from them that can assist us in being more adaptable and flexible in our own lives.
Make wellness a priority of living in your work and private life.
Develop a strong support system.
Allow yourself to be uncomfortable so that growth can occur.
Challenge yourself.
Turn your thinking upside down.
Embrace your uniqueness and build upon it.
Focusing on being more flexible and adaptable, while being uncomfortable, will allow us to embrace many of the changes that we encounter daily. This can also lead us to a more fulfilling life.
Key Takeaways
Change is part of life.
Developing our adaptability and flexibility is a must in today’s world.
Because you may need to bend does not mean that you are broken.
Best Practices
To stay focused on your goals, maintain a daily journal.
Don’t get stuck in preserving useless thinking.
Don’t fight Don Quixote’s “windmills.”
Things to Limit
Believing that you are the sole keeper of the past.
Analysis Paralysis.
“Waiting for Godot."
Quote of the Week
“Life continuously shoots arrows at you; to survive, be flexible and be on the move because rigid and fixed targets are the easiest targets!”
― Mehmet Murat ildan—
Having a daily practice of seeking ways to be more flexible and adaptable, strengthens our ability to navigate life in creative and rewarding ways. This practice also allows each of us the opportunity to have more of a sense of resilience and impact in our life.
Be well,
The paraDocs
Picture by Unsplash
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The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
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