Most people wake up knowing what to expect from their day. Yet, all too often, before you can say “why me,” a surprise derails your plans. Whether it’s a sick child, computer issues, or a friend in crisis, your carefully laid plans can quickly go out the window. Sound familiar? If these disruptions were rare, they wouldn’t be so bothersome. But when they seem to happen constantly, they can turn your life upside down. It’s unnerving, isn’t it?
Let’s be realistic.
The real problem isn’t the disruptions you encounter, but rather, the expectations you set. You assumed your day would go exactly as expected, and, when it didn’t, everything seemed to unravel. The reality is that things rarely go as planned. As the saying goes, “Life is full of surprises, and one of them is getting blindsided when you least expect it.”
Life is predictably unpredictable.
Nothing Goes According to Plan
Even if you can identify, anticipate, and account for all the factors that might affect your day, you can’t control how they’ll play out. Clinging to a rigid plan and expecting everything to go smoothly will only leave you unprepared when things change. Surprises are a natural part of life, and not all of them are bad. But when you’re expecting a specific outcome, even good surprises can be unsettling.
The best way to manage unexpected events is to anticipate them. This mindset helps reduce the shock and enables you to approach surprises with calmness rather than panic. As author Denis Waitley wisely said, “Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.”
8 Practical Ways to Become More Adaptable
Life is full of surprises, and sometimes they can throw you for a loop. Boosting your adaptability can help you roll with the punches and handle surprises more smoothly. Here are eight practical ways to stay resilient when faced with the unexpected…
Get informed. Information helps you anticipate surprises. Gather data from diverse sources, encourage debate, and embrace differing viewpoints to broaden your perspective.
Embrace the unexpected. Surprises happen. Get over it. You can’t control the uncontrollable, but you can control how you respond to it.
Plan for the unexpected. Don’t wait for a fire to locate the exits.
Develop contingency plans. Prepare both best- and worst-case options. When planning your life’s journey, always have an alternate route.
Go with the flow. Avoid becoming so attached to your ideas that you resist change.
Manage your emotions. Rational, clear-headed decisions yield better outcomes than emotional responses.
Stay adaptable. Flexibility is mastering the art of bending without breaking, allowing you to adjust to unexpected twists and turns.
Build in wiggle room. Give yourself leeway by building in extra time. This creates flexibility to adjust if unexpected challenges arise.
Surprise, Surprise
Change is occurring at an unprecedented rate, and the pace shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. It’s not just a global phenomenon; it’s affecting every aspect of our lives. Since this transformation is beyond your control, resisting or trying to control it isn’t productive. Instead, it is critical to anticipate the unexpected, remain flexible, and adapt as things evolve. This will position you to handle twists and turns that come your way. As Holocaust survivor Viktor E. Frankl said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” That should come as no surprise.
Check out Frank’s latest book, BECOME: Unleash the Power of Moral Character and Be Proud of the Life You Choose
Are You Surprised By Unforeseen Events?
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Additional Reading:
How to Have a Fresh Perspective
The Benefits of Being Open-Minded: An Open-and-Shut Case
Distractions, Disruptions, and Other Time Wasters
Do You Feel Overwhelmed?
What Do Your Habits Say About You?
Are You Inflexible and Stuck in Your Ways?
It’s YOUR Life. Are You in Control?
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