You Upgraded: Moments of Shock, Change, and Pivoting: The Resilience of the Human Condition

Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

Life can be unpredictable. We can never truly know what's around the corner. Sometimes we experience moments of shock, change, and pivoting that force us to adapt and overcome. It's during these moments that we learn just how resilient the human condition can be.

One such moment came during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Countries around the world went into lockdown, businesses shut down, and people were forced to stay home. It was a shock to the system, and many struggled to adapt to this new reality. But despite the difficulties, people found ways to pivot. They found new ways of working, connecting with loved ones, and staying active. They learned to adapt to new technologies and found creative ways of staying entertained. The pandemic was a reminder that while change can be difficult, we have the ability to pivot and adapt to whatever comes our way.

Another example comes from the world of sports. In 2013, basketball player Jason Collins became the first openly gay athlete to play in one of the four major North American professional sports leagues. It was a moment of shock and change for the sports world, which had never seen an openly gay athlete in such a high-profile position. But Collins' bravery and willingness to be his authentic self helped pave the way for other athletes to come out and be accepted for who they are.

One more example comes from the world of business. In the early 2000s, Blockbuster was one of the biggest video rental chains in the world. But with the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, Blockbuster struggled to adapt to the changing landscape. Instead of pivoting, the company stuck to its old business model and eventually went bankrupt. Meanwhile, Netflix became one of the biggest players in the entertainment industry. The story of Blockbuster serves as a reminder that sometimes we need to pivot and adapt to survive in a rapidly changing world.

Through these examples, we can see that the human condition is more resilient than we will ever know. When faced with moments of shock, change, and pivoting, we have the ability to adapt and overcome. But how do we do it?

One important factor is mindset. It's important to approach change with a growth mindset, understanding that it presents an opportunity to learn and grow. As author Carol Dweck writes in her book "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success", "In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I'm going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here's a chance to grow."

Another important factor is community. We need the support of others to help us navigate moments of shock and change. Whether it's friends, family, or colleagues, having people we can turn to for advice and support can make all the difference.

Finally, we need to be willing to pivot. Sometimes the path we're on isn't the right one, and we need to be willing to change course. As author Simon Sinek writes in his book "Start With Why", "Those who are able to inspire others to act are those who give them a sense of purpose or belonging that has little to do with any external incentive or benefit to be gained."

Moments of shock, change, and pivoting can be difficult, but they also present an opportunity for growth and resilience. By approaching change with a growth mindset, seeking out support from others, and being willing to pivot when necessary, we can overcome any obstacle that comes our way.

Here are some action steps you can take to develop resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset:

1. Embrace challenges: Rather than shying away from challenges, seek them out. They provide an opportunity to grow and develop new skills.
2. Practice positive self-talk: Be mindful of the language you use when talking to yourself. Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
3. Seek support: Build a support system of people you can turn to for guidance and advice when facing difficult situations.
4. Learn from failure: Don't be afraid to fail. Instead, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Use the lessons you learn to improve and move forward.
5. Cultivate a growth mindset: Focus on learning and development, rather than being perfect or avoiding failure.
6. Be open to change: Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and learning. Be willing to adapt and pivot when necessary.
7. Take care of yourself: Resilience requires physical and mental health. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, sleep, and relaxation.
8. Practice gratitude: Cultivate a mindset of gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your life. Gratitude can help build resilience and foster a positive outlook.

Remember, building resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset takes time and effort. Start with small steps and build on your progress over time. With practice, you can develop the skills and mindset to overcome any challenge that comes your way.

Reading materials:

• "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol Dweck
• "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek

1. "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
2. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl
3. "The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph" by Ryan Holiday
4. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck
5. "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth
6. "Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
7. "The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength and Overcoming Life's Hurdles" by Karen Reivich and Andrew Shatte
8. "The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It" by Kelly McGonigal
9. "Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead" by Brené Brown
10. "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear

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