How Flexible (Adaptable) are You?

Having the ability to adapt is a sign of good mental health.  Does that mean that people who are unable or unwilling to adapt to certain life circumstances are less healthy?  Well, maybe.  There have been plenty of studies done on the topic and they all conclude that individuals who can adapt experience more positive outcomes than those individuals who cannot or will not adapt.  Just a few of these positive outcomes include greater self-esteem, greater relationships, more personal and professional success, and an overall greater well-being.

Change is inevitable, so adaptability is necessary.  Life is about constant change whether we like it or not.  Yes, change can be difficult, and oftentimes it seems as though we are pushed far beyond our comfort zone.  However, there is good news.  The good news is that we have been created with the great ability to adapt.  At a very core level, we adapt when we are faced with no other choice and our survival depends on it.  And thanks to medical science, we also know that our brains remain plastic through our lifetime, meaning that an “old dog can learn new tricks.”

What does this mean for me?            
First, I think it is very important for us to get a clear understanding of just where we are at on the adaptability meter.  You need to get honest with yourself and ask yourself just how well you adjust to change.  Do you fight change?  Does it upset your relationships?  Do you try to make adjustments, yet experience higher levels of anxiety?  Recognition is the first step.
Secondly, adaptability is a choice and a mindset.  We know that change happens, so we must choose a positive mindset.  If you view it as an opportunity to grow without being to self-critical, there is no doubt that you will have greater success.  Allow yourself to be curious, and tap into your creative side.  If your anything like me, you probably think that you are doomed if adaptability requires creativity.  The truth is, we all have a creative side, it is just unique to us.
Third.  Our ability to adapt can be used to improve the lives of others.  There is no doubt that our ability to adapt has a positive affect on all our relationships.  In fact, the greater our respect, tolerance, positivity, and empathy, the greater our ability to adapt becomes.  To see a fantastic example of how adaptability can change the lives of others in the 21st century please watch this video.  https://youtu.be/937iCwJd3fI.

God’s role in all of this
As previously stated, we have been created by God with an incredible ability to adapt.  We have also been given the freedom to choose, which takes me back to the importance of our mindset and its effect on our ability to adapt or not.  We know that there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, etc.  Life is change.  For the Christian, we can also take great comfort in knowing that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God…” (Rom. 8:28).  Yes, maybe the reason you are being required to adapt is you are being called according to His higher purpose.  

A final warning 
One thing you may want to watch out for is if you are making changes simply for the sake of change.  There should be a reason for you to adapt or make a change in your life.  Also, we will want to make sure that we are not making a change solely for the purpose of “fitting in.”  When we make changes to adapt and “fit in” with popular culture or individuals who may not share the same values and vision as we do, we run the risk of giving away our own power and sense of self.

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