Change can be unsettling, I get it. It’s like being thrown into the deep end without a life jacket. But here’s the deal: adaptability is a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned.

If change scares you, don’t worry. We’re going to tackle this head-on. I’m going to share nine strategies that will help you become more adaptable.

These strategies aren’t just about surviving change, but thriving in it. They’re about turning that fear of the unknown into an opportunity for growth.

So go ahead, dive in. It’s time to take the plunge and embrace change.

1) Embrace uncertainty

The first step to becoming more adaptable is embracing uncertainty. This can be scary, I know. But uncertainty is not your enemy; it’s the breeding ground for opportunity.

In a perfectly predictable world, there would be no room for innovation, no space for creativity, and no chance for growth. Uncertainty keeps things exciting, it keeps us on our toes.

So when faced with a situation that is unpredictable or unfamiliar, instead of resisting it or trying to control it, embrace it. See it as an opportunity to learn something new, to grow as a person, to experience something different.

Remember, change is inevitable. But how we react to change is entirely up to us. So why not embrace uncertainty, and see where it takes you? You might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

2) Seek out change

I used to be the kind of person who would always stick to my comfort zone. I liked routine, predictability, and knowing exactly what was going to happen next.

But then, I realized that I was missing out on a lot of opportunities by avoiding change. I decided to challenge myself and started seeking out new experiences and opportunities for growth.

I started small – taking a different route to work, trying out a new recipe for dinner, picking up a new hobby. Over time, I found that not only was I becoming more adaptable, but I was also enjoying the thrill of trying new things.

Putting myself in unfamiliar situations allowed me to learn how to handle change better and made me more confident in my ability to adapt to new situations. So don’t shy away from change. Instead, seek it out and embrace it. You’ll be amazed at how much you can grow.

3) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment, can significantly increase our adaptability.

Research has shown that mindfulness can actually change the structure of our brains, enhancing areas associated with cognitive flexibility. This essentially means that practicing mindfulness can make us better equipped to handle change and adapt to new situations.

By focusing on the present moment, we become more aware of our thoughts and feelings. This awareness allows us to respond to change in a more thoughtful and flexible way, rather than reacting out of fear or stress. So why not give it a try? A few minutes of mindfulness each day could be your ticket to becoming more adaptable.

4) Develop a growth mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and a love of learning. It’s the opposite of a fixed mindset, where people believe their abilities are set in stone.

When we have a growth mindset, we see challenges and changes as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than threats or obstacles. We’re more open to trying new things, taking risks, and stepping out of our comfort zones.

So next time change knocks on your door, instead of viewing it as a disruption, see it as an opportunity to learn something new. Embrace the challenge and give it your all. You’ll be surprised at how much you can achieve when you believe in your ability to grow and adapt.

5) Foster resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity or change. It’s about weathering the storm and coming out the other side stronger than before.

Building resilience doesn’t mean we won’t feel the impact of change. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Resilience is about experiencing change, feeling all the emotions that come with it, and then using those feelings to move forward.

One way to build resilience is through self-care. This can be anything from taking time out to relax, to speaking to a close friend about your feelings, or even keeping a journal.

By fostering resilience, we not only become more adaptable to change, but we also build a stronger foundation for future changes that may come our way.

6) Allow yourself to feel

It’s okay to be scared of change. It’s okay to feel unsure, anxious, or even sad. These feelings are a natural response to uncertainty and unfamiliarity.

But instead of pushing these feelings aside or trying to suppress them, allow yourself to feel them fully. Acknowledge them, sit with them, and then let them go.

Remember, it’s okay not to have all the answers. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You’re human, and these moments of vulnerability make us exactly that.

By allowing yourself to feel, you are accepting the reality of change and beginning the process of adapting. So be kind to yourself, you’re doing just fine.

7) Learn to let go

There was a time when I held onto things tightly, whether it was a job, a relationship, or even a way of thinking. Change felt like losing a part of myself.

But with time, I realized that holding on too tightly didn’t serve me. It only made the process of change more painful. So, I began practicing the art of letting go.

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or discarding. It’s about acknowledging that some things are not meant to stay the same forever. It’s about making peace with the fact that change is a part of life.

When we learn to let go, we make room for new experiences, new people, and new ways of thinking. It’s a liberating feeling and a crucial step towards becoming more adaptable.

8) Keep an open mind

Keeping an open mind is a powerful tool when it comes to adapting to change. It means being open to new ideas, new perspectives, and new possibilities.

When we keep an open mind, we allow ourselves to see opportunities where others see obstacles. We are more willing to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unfamiliar.

So the next time you’re faced with a change, instead of shutting down or resisting, try opening your mind. You might discover a whole new way of looking at things that makes adapting to change not just easier, but exciting too.

9) Believe in yourself

At the end of the day, the most important thing in becoming more adaptable is believing in yourself. You have faced change before and you have come out stronger on the other side. You have the strength and the resilience to adapt to whatever life throws your way.

Believing in yourself means trusting your abilities, your judgement, and your capacity to learn and grow. It empowers you to take risks, to step out of your comfort zone, and to embrace change with open arms.

Remember, you are capable. You are resilient. And you can handle change. Believe in yourself, and there’s no change you can’t adapt to.

Final thoughts: Embrace the journey

At the heart of it all, change is a journey. It may be an unwelcome guest at times, but it’s also a teacher, a mentor, and a path to growth.

Change pushes us out of our comfort zones, nudging us towards new horizons and unexplored territories. It forces us to confront our fears, question our routines, and break down our barriers.

And while the journey may be challenging, remember that every step you take is a step towards becoming more adaptable. Each stumble, each victory, each moment of uncertainty is shaping you into a stronger, more resilient individual.

The American author William Arthur Ward once said, “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” So adjust your sails, brave the storm and embrace the journey of change. After all, it’s not just about reaching the destination, but who you become along the way.