The new normal seems to be a never-ending, changing target and so we have to learn to be flexible.”

There has never been a point in time where adaptability - the ability to deal with change - has been more essential.

The new normal seems to be a never-ending, changing target and so we have to learn to be flexible.

But why is change so hard?

One word - fear.

Change triggers a fear of loss. Giving up what we know, what we enjoy and what is comfortable.

What happens in our mind when we face the unknown is we ask, what if? And our mind tends to answer with a worst-case scenario response.

Our minds are actually trying to protect us and so it helps us to see what we need to avoid but it creates a fear that isn’t necessarily real and, more importantly, it is debilitating.

The problem with fear is it stops us from taking action and effective change requires action.

So, when we play the What If Game in our mind, we have to consciously and strategically answer with a positive response.
We need to see that change leads to growth, new and better results. And use that vision to take action toward creating that reality.

Managing fear is a very real thing for each of us and our teams.
To navigate the constantly changing landscape, we need to be action oriented and understand how to push past fear.

Adaptability is an essential skill in today’s world and it operates much like a muscle. It grows with use.

Managing fear is the first step. Then with consistent action, we grow our adaptability muscle.