44: Elevating our AQ (Adaptability Quotient) | #walkwithme
“There is nothing certain, but the uncertain.” – Proverbs About This Episode: In this episode of “#WalkWithMe” I talk about our AQ (Adaptability Quotient) and walk through some thoughts and principles on how we can raise our AQ so that we not only survive but thrive in times of great change, confusion and uncertainty. *** For show notes, visit alivebydesign.com *** If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. It takes less than 1 minute, and it really makes a difference in helping spread this message.
“There is nothing certain, but the uncertain.”
Proverb
About This Episode:
In this episode of “#WalkWithMe” I talk about our AQ (Adaptability Quotient) and walk through some thoughts and principles on how we can raise our AQ so that we not only survive but thrive in times of great change, confusion and uncertainty.
***
When I say the word “adaptability” what comes to mind? I think this skill in being able to adapt is so critical for all of us right now with a lot of major shifts happening. Most of us spend the first portion of our lives focused on academic intelligence. But later in life, it is our emotional intelligence (EQ) that becomes so important in being able to have our emotions get the best out of us.
However, our AQ (Adaptability Quotient) matters, too. AQ is our ability to adapt in any given moment no matter the circumstance. Being able to raise our AQ will enable us to not only survive but thrive in times of great change. A lot of us struggle with adapting, and I think at its core it’s because we have a human need for certainty; it’s built into our DNA. We like to cling to what once was because it is familiar and feels comfortable. But, as a popular saying goes, the more we crave certainty, the more uncertain we become. Flip that: The more we welcome and accept uncertainty, the more certainty we have in our selves.
When we cling to uncertainty, we can get stuck always looking in the rear-view mirror and waiting for things to get “back to normal.” But what happens if it never goes back to normal, and we’re actually in a shift that is calling us to change and start focusing forward?
Here are some thoughts and principles on how we can all raise our AQ.
Believe in better.
We have to believe that we can be better because of what we’re going through. If it continues to be as it once was, it will always be the same – and not better. Adapting is the only doorway to progress and a brighter light.
Be consciously curious.
If you’re always looking backwards and clinging to the past, you’re basically saying that what you already know is what it has to always be. Let’s humble ourselves and approach change with the idea that there is a bigger picture or more perspectives. Open your mind. Take in new input. Shift a perspective. Hear another person’s opinion.
Overprepare, and then go with the flow.
Being adaptable is not about giving up; it’s the exact opposite. You got to give it your best effort and still put a genuine desire in a direction. Over prepare for that direction, but THEN be willing to let go of that exact plan if need be so that you can be open to flow. It’s a blend of both.
Focus on what you can control and let go of what you cannot control.
This is at the bedrock of a lot of personal growth philosophies today. It’s easier said than done, but ask yourself: Is this something that is in my control? If so, put your energy into it. If it’s not in your control, don’t stress about it. High AQ means putting focus only into things you can control.
Keep moving forward.
When in doubt, just keep walking. Whatever situation you are facing, just know that this too shall pass. There is always a light at the end of a tunnel. Remember to look at what you’ve already gone through and how much you’ve done, and then put one foot in front of the other.