Adaptability

Adaptability is an important lens for high achievers. Often this group will set challenging goals that they soon realize are likely unattainable in their preset timeline. Or perhaps the goal is no longer desirable. And if all of the set goals are achieved, well, they may think they set their sights too low.

Adaptability is the broad capacity to adjust to change through continuous learning and minor adjustments. It’s a healthy habit to cultivate. There is no crime in shifting away from a goal that has lost its value or a mindset that is no longer helpful. Developing an ethos of adaptability allows one to acknowledge that diverting from a goal can be a positive move rather than a negative one.

Sometimes I consult with pharmaceutical companies that want my opinion with respect to a drug or a device. Many times before the evaluation I am told: “There’s no such thing as bad news regarding this experiment. Any insights are helpful. If it doesn’t work, that’s fine. We just want to know about problems fast so we can move on to something that may be more promising. This reminds me of the great inventor Thomas Edison’s trial and error approach to creating workable solutions that led to hundreds of successful inventions.

Adaptability can turn failure into strategic quitting. It converts a potential ending into a powerful new beginning.

When I look back on my 25-year career, I think one of my biggest adaptations came from realizing that I could never compartmentalize what I did in my life. If my dog was sick, it would come along - in my head - to every patient encounter I had that day. Whatever the distressing event was that was triggering me that day, believe me, I tried to follow that well meaning but unhelpful advice to “compartmentalize” my anxiety. It never worked for me.

Once I allowed the experience to be with me, I was able to function better. Trying not to think about it only made my thoughts more intense. I have found that exerting mental energy to block something from my mind never works. It’s better to admit something is challenging me. That’s when I can focus on being myself, and present for my patients, family or friends. The adaptive mindset has served me well.