If you know someone who seems to roll with the punches, adapting to life’s curveballs with grace and ease, they may exhibit certain behaviors that help them navigate change.
Being able to adapt to changing circumstances is a skill that psychologists have studied extensively.
People who are adaptable share a set of behaviors that help them face change head-on, whether it’s a big life transition or a small everyday inconvenience.
In this article, we’re going to delve into the eight behaviors typically displayed by these adaptable individuals according to psychology.
Understanding these behaviors can provide a window into their resilience and may even spark ideas on how you can become more adaptable too.
So, shall we dive in?
1) Embracing uncertainty
When life throws a curveball, adaptable people don’t flinch. Instead, they embrace uncertainty and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Adaptable individuals understand that change is a constant in life, and they don’t waste energy resisting it.
They accept situations as they come and try to make the best out of them. This doesn’t mean that they are passive or submissive.
On the contrary, they are active participants in their own lives, taking charge and making decisions that align with their values and goals.
This acceptance of uncertainty also extends to their understanding of themselves and others. They acknowledge that people aren’t static — we all change and evolve over time.
This gives them the flexibility to adjust their expectations and relationships as needed.
2) Saying ‘no’
It may seem surprising, but adaptable people are often quite good at saying ‘no’.
While it might seem that being adaptable means saying ‘yes’ to everything, this isn’t the case.
In reality, adaptable people understand their limitations and know when they need to decline an offer or request. They don’t overload themselves with commitments and are mindful about where they invest their time and energy.
Saying ‘no’ is a way of setting boundaries and preserving personal resources. Adaptable individuals know that they can’t be effective if they’re spread too thin.
They prioritize what’s most important to them and make decisions that align with those priorities.
This ability to say ‘no’ also demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, another hallmark of adaptable individuals.
They are in tune with their needs, values, and capabilities, which allows them to make choices that truly serve them.
3) Cultivating a growth mindset
Adaptable individuals often have a growth mindset, a concept which suggests that abilities and intelligence can be developed over time through dedication and hard work.
Unlike a fixed mindset, where people believe their abilities are unchangeable, a growth mindset opens up possibilities for learning and improvement.
Having a growth mindset allows adaptable people to see failure not as a dead end, but as a stepping stone to success.
They don’t shy away from challenges or setbacks, but instead view them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Moreover, it motivates them to put in extra time and effort, leading to higher achievement and resilience in the face of adversity.
This mindset allows them to take on new challenges with enthusiasm and confidence, making it easier for them to adapt to new situations and experiences.
4) Displaying emotional intelligence
Adaptable people tend to navigate the world with an intuitive understanding of others’ feelings and perspectives.
This means acknowledging their feelings and responding in a supportive manner.
This deep connection with others facilitates communication and strengthens relationships, making it easier for adaptable people to work collaboratively in teams or to offer support in times of change.
Understanding and managing one’s own emotions is equally important. Adaptable people are often self-aware and capable of recognizing and regulating their emotions, which contributes to their ability to handle change and stress effectively.
5) Keeping an open mind
We’ve all had moments where our expectations didn’t line up with reality. Maybe you were excited about a new job, only to find out it wasn’t what you thought it would be.
Or perhaps you planned your day perfectly, but then everything went off course.
Adaptable people experience these moments too. What sets them apart is their ability to keep an open mind. Instead of clinging to their initial plans or expectations, they are willing to reassess and adjust when necessary.
They understand that change is a part of life and that being too rigid can lead to stress and disappointment.
By keeping an open mind, they allow themselves the flexibility to adapt and thrive even when things don’t go as planned.
6) Practicing patience
Imagine you’re in a long line at the grocery store. The person in front of you has a cart full of items and is moving at a snail’s pace. You’re in a hurry and this is the last thing you need. It’s frustrating, right?
Adaptable people instead of allowing frustration to take over, they practice patience.
They understand that getting upset won’t make the line move any faster. Instead, they use this time to take a few deep breaths, plan the rest of their day, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet amidst the hustle and bustle.
This patience extends to larger life changes as well. They know that transitions take time and that rushing through them can lead to unnecessary stress and mistakes.
7) Taking responsibility
Adaptability isn’t about always landing on your feet, untouched by life’s challenges. It’s about taking responsibility for your actions and reactions, regardless of the circumstances.
If you’ve made a mistake, own it. Don’t pass the blame onto others or make excuses. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s also a crucial step in growth and adaptability.
You learn from errors and missteps, and they help you make better decisions in the future.
Likewise, if you’re faced with a difficult situation, don’t play the victim. Acknowledge your role in the situation, no matter how small, and focus on what you can do to improve things moving forward.
Taking responsibility is a clear signal of maturity and adaptability. It shows that you’re ready to face any challenges head on and do what’s necessary to overcome them.
8) Maintaining a positive outlook
Above all, adaptable people tend to maintain a positive outlook.
They don’t pretend everything is perfect, nor do they ignore life’s struggles. Instead, they choose to focus on the potential for growth and the lessons that come with every experience.
Having a positive outlook doesn’t mean you won’t encounter difficulties or have bad days. It means that despite these challenges, you choose to remain hopeful and believe in your ability to navigate through them.
This mindset can make all the difference when facing change and uncertainty. It helps transform challenges into opportunities and turns setbacks into stepping stones toward growth.
Feeling stuck in self-doubt?
Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.
