Adaptability
Over the past years – and particularly over the past months, it has become increasingly evident to me, that the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in life, is of utmost importance in overcoming adversity – and in generally “coping”.
Both professionally – in my role as a Psychologist, as well as personally, I have come to appreciate just how important this twelve letter word is.
Adaptability…….. is defined by the Oxford dictionary as “the ability to adjust to different conditions – such as being an adaptable person”.
Over the years, I have admired people who move their lives and their families from one country to another, those who continue to live life after being diagnosed with a chronic – or even a life-threatening illness, those who experience a major tragedy or trauma, and yet somehow find the strength to move forward. Or those who experience a change or altered circumstances in their personal or professional lives.
Some people are able to “ride the wave of adversity” more easily than others, or are able to move forward much more easily than others.
Why is this so??
There are many reasons, many variables and many possible explanations as to why some people find it difficult to adjust or adapt to life’s many challenges – at times unbelievably difficult challenges and tragic situations, however, more often than not there is often a general theme – that of wanting the circumstance to “change back” to the way it was – or to “go back to the way things used to be” – or to try to change the circumstance, environment or situation to something more familiar, more manageable, less complicated, etc.
Many people in this situation, spend time wishing it were different, sometimes trying to change others, or lamenting their plight, or feeling angry about their situation.
Whilst this is a perfectly natural response – and often difficult to avoid, if not managed sensitively, this response – or these thoughts, have the ability to make things even more difficult, or to prevent adaption, or adjustment, or even the ability to move forward. It creates a blockage – either making the situation worse, or just making the individual feel powerless or “stuck” – and often depressed.
Sometimes when we can’t change the circumstance, or can’t change the situation – we are battling something too big – and no matter how hard we try, we do not feel better. When this happens the only way to make any change at all, is to try to make the change within ourselves – For us to “adapt” to the situation, to try to help ourselves cope, manage, find a way to move forward – We can’t change others, and we often can’t change a situation or circumstance – we can only change ourselves. We can’t change the world – we can try to make the change within ourselves. The world is continually changing. We need to change with it.
In recent years, Scientists have discovered and become excited about believing that our brains now have the ability to change, to repair, to heal. Neuroplasticity – or the ability of the brain to adapt to a change in circumstance or needs, is one of the most exciting discoveries in the world of Brain research. It debunks the previously held myth that once the brain is damaged, it is impossible to heal or repair. It gives new hope to those with brain injury or stroke.
Plasticity is one of the synonyms for Adaptability!
Surely if we apply the same belief to ourselves – then we believe that no matter what the circumstance or situation, it is up to us to try to “adapt” ourselves to the change, rather than to expect or hope that the situation will “go away” or change back to the way it was.
Sometimes it is just up to us to accept that this is now the new “altered” situation, and to ask ourselves: “What can we do to adapt ourselves to these new conditions?” “What can we do to make the situation as best as it can be – slowly, or one little bit at a time?”
I marvel at the way people are adaptable. It takes determination, strength – often courage, but it is possible!
Sometimes it is difficult to do this alone. Sometimes it is difficult to see things clearly through confused or cloudy eyes – or even through shock, illness or fatigue – but it is possible! We must be determined to make things work – or to simply just “cope”. It is also possible – and not a terrible thing, to reach out to those around us – or to seek professional help. We must believe that it is possible, for it to even become possible. We must never ever give up or lose the power of adaptability!
you can’t drive forward whilst looking in the rear vision mirror!
Because if you do, you will crash!
It is important to look ahead, be mindful of the moment!
And cognisant of the destination!
Sylvia B. Werba
Psychologist MMAPS, CCOUNPs, CEDP
Copyright 2015 (c)