The Shock of The New – How to Adapt to Unexpected Situations

Adaptability is a key component to mental and physical survival.

Life flows more effortlessly when we stay flexible, yet keenly aware. My question to you is, “How well do you think on your feet in entirely new situations?” Change is a natural part of life. When we do not accept  and adapt to change, life can become quite cagey – literally. The same old, same old, can hypnotize us into feeling safe.

Change is stressful for many, while others embrace change without a second thought. When new information comes your way, do you consider it, without automatically throwing it out of your mental field? You and I might learn something valuable if we stay curious and open-minded. I admire this quality in my husband Cody. He listens, investigates, delving deeply into past and present activity, to learn how things work on our little planet Earth. We have both found ourselves connecting with people who do the same.

The world we live in is changing.

Knowledge about our world and ourselves is changing and rapidly evolving, making adapting even more challenging. Our futures seem to be in the hands of a host of players. Their narratives are all over the place and changing daily. We are living in a confusing and arduous time, and trust is hard to come by. Our lives have been upended, demanding more of our attention and consideration.

For years (online and off) I have harped on the fact that we need to do our homework, by investigating and digging deep. Yes, this will take us down rabbit holes. The search for truth and integrity is a long road. I know…a daunting task to be sure, but what is the alternative? We (Yep, I’m going to ‘should’ on you) should not sit back and listen to those who are not truth tellers. Those leaders who have our highest and greatest good in mind, are the one’s to lend our ear to. The writings on the wall, it’s blatantly obvious, but many people can’t read…

How to adapt when you are in fear – uncertain of your life and future?

I cannot express how important it is to take care of ourselves when feeling anxious, stressed, fearful, disappointed, or overwhelmed. Change requires us to change. Think about how hard is it just to break a habit, but through the process, many positive shifts can occur. When things change quickly you need to operate like a jet ski, not an aircraft carrier. You have to be able to course correct on a dime. I think of this process as problem solving, like a puzzle to be worked out.

Emotional agility is the ability to let go of past narratives. Old self-identities that no longer serve us. Flexibility is a valuable tool, teaching us to bend, not break under the stress, and to assist us to become more resilient, less fearful. I like the idea of being able to bounce back courageously from challenges of any size and shape. Granted, we like our comfort zone and I agree, it’s lovely to roam around in that space. Yet, growth and expansion requires us to step outside the ‘comfort zone door’ for awhile, and explore what’s on the other side.

At some point we become wise enough to see the limiting walls we have built around ourselves. Taking action to release all that does not serve our life takes courage and inner strength. These walls of resistance are sometimes invisible, even to our own eyes. It’s easy to look at another persons life and see why things are not working out for them; yet, when we look at ourselves, we often miss what limits us.

– Debra Oakland

Tools for adaptation when our brains yells, “Danger, danger!”

* Re-wiring our brain for change is a daunting task. We love stability and want to know why change is happening, when it will occur, what it means for our lives, where we go from there, and if there are risks involved. The W’s come into question first, then the how. As we implement the how, we may worry what others may think, how these changes may affect certain people in our lives, and what will be the ultimate cost of these changes, even if they are of a positive nature.

* If you need support, ask for it. Talk to others who can offer support and positive encouragement. Preferably one or more people who understand the in’s and out’s of change and resiliency.

* Try not to resist things you are unable to change. Implementing change when and where you can gives a sense of inner power and achievement.

* Think about the many shifting times you went through in your life. Times that required courage and resiliency. Moving to another state, becoming a parent, losing a loved one, changing jobs, income shifts, digital and global shifts. How did you adapt? Use to your advantage those life lessons that powered you through shifting or uncertain times.

* Realize your ‘comfort zone’ can cause stagnation if you rest in it too long. Depending on the situation presented to you, ask yourself what you stand to gain by change, not what you stand to lose. Don’t Ass-ume  (you know the saying) the worst outcome.

* Change, especially if it is something we weren’t prepared for, requires a shift inside ourselves to go through the necessary stages to move forward, or embrace new beginnings. In other words harnessing the opportunity for growth.

* Our daily routines are a source of stability, so continue doing the activities that bring you comfort, peace and joy.

Living in courage is a journey, but one that can be well traveled…