Trust your adaptability
the key to unlocking a consistent life
In a world of what feels like constant change, it can be tempting to cling to our plans as if they were lifelines.
We can craft strategies, set goals, and create that blueprint to our Future Selves—but what happens when life throws us a curveball? The reality is, it's not our *plans* that will carry us forward—it's our ability to adapt.
If you’re a new reader, adaptability and consistency might seem at odds. After all, how can we be consistent if we're always pivoting? (insert Friends joke HERE) The key lies in understanding what applied consistency really means. It's not about rigidly adhering to a predetermined path; it's about maintaining overall direction while adjusting approach as needed.
Let’s think of it like planning a road trip.
The destination is our goal and our plan is the route we've carefully mapped out. But what happens when we encounter unexpected road closures or, better than that, discover some enticing scenic shortcuts? The savvy traveler doesn't stubbornly stick to the original itinerary no matter what, right? They adapt, using knowledge and experience to decide the best way forward.
They pivot.
In the startup world, pivoting means fundamentally changing business strategy to meet market demands, but this principle applies far beyond the world of work.
When we stay disciplined in our core practices and principles, pivoting isn't about abandoning our goals it's about leveraging our skills and knowledge to find new, often better ways to achieve exactly what we set out to do.
When I was a personal trainer I had a client who was training for her first marathon. For months she followed a plan of waking at 5 AM for runs, nutrition designed to provide the energy she needed, and gradually increasing mileage. Her discipline was impressively unwavering as she consistently worked towards her goal.
4 weeks before the race she hurt her ankle making running impossible. Instead of giving up on her plans, she pivoted:
🏃🏾♀️ She applied her disciplined mindset to physical therapy precisely following PT instructions
🏃🏾♀️ She swapped in 5 AM swimming instead of running—an activity that didn't strain her ankle
🏃🏾♀️ She used her nutrition knowledge to adjust her diet to support recovery
🏃🏾♀️ She applied the mental toughness she developed during long runs to maintaining a positive mindset
🏃🏾♀️ She re-focused on strength training for upper body and core
Eight weeks later my client was a stronger, more well-rounded athlete. She discovered a love for swimming and her strength training improved her running form.
When she finally ran a marathon six months later, she finished with a better time than she’d originally projected all thanks to better overall fitness. Her habits of early rising, consistent training, and sustained attention to nutrition allowed her to pivot effectively.
She didn't abandon her goals; she found a new way to pursue them.
So, how do we cultivate adaptability-driven consistency?
📌 Focus on the why not just the how
Understanding the purpose behind our goals allows us to find new paths if current ones are blocked. When we understand our motivations, we can maintain our drive even when faced with setbacks.
Like my client, when we’re clear on our why we persevere through challenges to find solutions that align with our purpose.
We pivot.
📌 Develop growth mindset
I love me some Carol Dweck whose research shows people with a growth mindset believe they can develop their abilities, while people with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are purely innate.
When we choose to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, we view setbacks as fleeting and surmountable. When we believe in our ability to improve and adapt, we are better able to be resilient in the face of sudden change.
Not rhetorical:
How many of you would have quit after the ankle injury my client sustained? 30 years ago I think I’d be with those of you who said ME!
📌 Practice scenario planning
Regularly consider potential changes or obstacles you might face *and* how you might adapt to them.
This mental preparation helps us respond quickly and effectively when unexpected situations arise.
Additionally, as we think through these potential scenarios we may also identify potential opportunities we might otherwise miss. Scenario planning really helps me to reduce anxiety about the future by giving me a strong sense of preparedness.
Try it.
📌 Reflect and adjust regularly
Don't wait for a crisis to make the pivot.
Regularly review progress and be willing to make small adjustments along the way.
This ongoing process of self-reflection and adaptation helps us stay aligned with our goals and responsive to changing circumstances. It also builds the habit of adaptability, making larger adjustments much easier if they’re needed.
Consistency of success comes not from rigid plans, but from unwavering trust in our ability to adapt.
Adaptability isn't about aimless change or changing when we get bored.
It's about having the confidence and capability to adjust our approach while keeping our goals in focus. When we trust in our adaptability, we're not abandoning consistency—we're embracing a more powerful, resilient form of it.
In the end, it's never the most rigid strategies that succeed—it’s the most flexible ones.