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I’m a planner, I will admit it. I feel anxious and uncomfortable when I don’t have a set plan and I’m not sure how I’m going to accomplish something. Therefore, I plan. However, when something comes up and messes up my well-crafted plan I struggle to keep my composure. I get mad, sad, stressed, and even take it out on others. It can ruin my day. I guess I should say, it used to. Over the years, I have learned tricks and strategies allowing me to demonstrate more flexibility and adaptability when life doesn’t go my way. Here are my top 3 tips to practice the A-R-T of flexibility and adaptability.
Accept what you cannot control
When your plan is suddenly wrecked, the first step is to take a deep breath. Do not react in an impulse manner you could later regret. It is important to feel the emotions that are emerging. Furthermore, distance yourself from the situation before making any decisions. Consider going for a walk, doing a 5 minutes meditation, or cleaning your kitchen.
During this pause, remind yourself and acknowledge that some things are simply outside of your control. If this is the case, you need to accept it and figure out how to adjust your plan to get the best outcome. Stop ruminating about what has already occurred. It will not change the facts or help you move past this point.
Rationalize and stay factual
If you are a planner and someone who needs order, structure, and routine in your life, it is important to allow yourself time to process and rationalize the situation. Look at the facts to understand what are the real impacts of this change of plan. Does it mean everything is ruined? Does it mean you need to make adjustments?
Take the emotions out of the situation as much as possible. Make an effort to see the positive side of the situation. If it is difficult to do, think about how it could have been worst. For example, if you missed your flight, rather than focusing on all the bad associated with it, think about the fact that you can afford to travel.
Tweak your plan
It is now time to tweak your plan with a clear head. After all, the current situation “is what it is” as we say. You have rationalized the situation and looked at the facts and you need to determine how to adjust your plan as best as you can to move forward. Even if the outcome might be different than what you had in mind remain positive. And remember to later look at what you have learned through this experience to use it as a growth opportunity.
In conclusion..
Dealing with life changes and unexpected situations is difficult for everyone. Part of the key to being successful with this skill is in your mindset. Remember that life isn’t happening to you, it is happening for you. Your reaction to life’s difficult situations will set you apart and allow you to navigate through life with a lot more ease.
I hope this article about the A-R-T of flexibility and adaptability was helpful.
Thank you for reading.
Cat xx