The virtue of adaptability: how to adapt to the ups and downs of life
What is adaptability?
Adaptability (from the Latin root adapt meaning fit or match) is the highly desirable ability to easily and effectively adjust to change. It is being open to modifying your attitudes and behaviors to meet the demands of the situation. It is to be flexible, versatile and resistant.
Adaptability is also one of the defining characteristics of the Orange (SP) temperament, and a virtue that, when emulated by the other colors, will lead to greater success in personal and business relationships.
How adaptable are you?
Answer “yes” or “no” to the next 10 questions. If you can answer “yes” to 7 or more questions, you are well on your way to mastering this important virtue.
- I can change gears without much friction and resistance.
- I am good at recovering from challenges.
- I am often the instigator of change.
- I don’t take myself too seriously and often laugh at my own mistakes.
- I see barriers as temporary obstacles to overcome.
- I’m trying to turn misfortune into good fortune.
- I see myself and my world with optimism and confidence.
- I am able to withstand the blows and recover emotionally from setbacks and losses.
- I can tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty.
- I don’t need detailed instructions. Just point me in the right direction.
Why adaptability is a good thing
In today’s unpredictable market, change seems to be a constant part of every business. Employers want to hire versatile employees who can meet the demands of whatever situation they find themselves in. They want employees who can handle emergency or crisis situations and solve problems creatively. Supervisors are much more likely to promote workers who can adjust their attitudes and behaviors to work effectively with different ideas, people, and situations. They reward employees who can accept and deal with changing priorities, better ideas, new policies, and different methods.
In personal relationships, adaptability also pays off because you can get along better with all kinds of people. You can adjust what you say and do so that interactions with other people run more smoothly and efficiently. You are more likely to recover from disappointment, let go of anger, overcome discouragement, and avoid depression. It’s more fun to be around because you’re willing to let go and adjust to other people’s preferences. You are truly optimistic and you are able to keep moving forward even in difficult and challenging times.
The art of life is a constant readjustment to our environment. – Kakuzo Okakura
How to be more adaptable
Activity 1. Once a week, do something outside of your normal routines and not characteristic of your dominant temperament. For example, if you’re primarily Gold, maybe you can go somewhere on a whim (orange), keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings (blue), or play a game of chess (green).
Activity 2. Read articles, reports, or books written by people who have an opposite point of view. For example, if you are politically conservative, read some radically progressive literature. As you read, practice your empathy skills and try to think about and understand the person’s beliefs, values, and motives.
Activity 3. Find someone who has a reputation for being adaptable and let them be your mentor. Watch their attitudes and behaviors carefully for a while. Take note of what they do and what they don’t do. Then, as soon as you can, start emulating those behaviors. Ask your mentor for feedback and, if necessary, a pep talk. Keep practicing until you feel confident and begin to experience success.
Activity # 4. Practice problem solving and decision making in high pressure situations. For example, if you have trouble thinking when things are loud and chaotic, try making decisions in a noisy and chaotic place, such as a crowded restaurant, a busy airport, or a crowded sports stadium. Keep doing this until you can focus on the problem and tune out distractions. Then start reducing the amount of time spent finding a solution.