June 12, 2024 Tre Patterson

We all make plans, carefully crafting the best way to get something done, or orchestrating every precise movement and taking into account every minute detail of our 20 layer plan, all for something to go wrong in the first step. So what happens after that? What should we do when everything we planned ends up not panning out?

Although this scenario may seem a bit extreme, this is a situation that is quite common in life. We all want to be champions of some sort and make plans to achieve success at the highest level but less than 1% of us actually reach that level, showing that a majority of the time, our plans don’t work out. As depressing as that sounds, this only suggests the notion that when achieving success, it’s not about the ability to make perfect plans, rather it’s having the competency to pivot in adverse situations that separates champions from participants.

When thinking about adaptability, one thing I always love to see when the NBA Finals are on isn’t just how well the players perform, but seeing the chess match between the two head coaches from game to game. In this seven-game series you are bound to see so many schematic changes between games and even between individual possessions. This idea of changing game-plans isn’t specific to basketball but rather is essential to succeed in any sport you choose, and ultimately in life. A lot of times we focus so much on the one goal or the one path to get there that we don’t ever have a contingency plan for when things go wrong. So to help remedy that I have compiled a quick little deep dive into the world of adapting.

Generally speaking, there are two different focuses when faced with a problem, you can either be problem focused or emotion focused. An athlete who is problem focused is really honed in on fixing the specific problem at hand. This can include seeking more information to physically finding the best way to handle the problem. An athlete who is emotion focused is more concentrated on managing their own emotions and gaining composure to then be able to effectively handle the problem. This includes using self-talk, visualization, and other mental skills to regulate theirselves. Neither one is better than the other and the best results are actually seen in people who are able to display both depending on the scenario.

Regardless, the one thing that I like about these two focuses is that they both highlight action. A lot of times when we are faced with problems it can feel easy to take a step back and just “let the problem pass” but in reality that doesn’t ever truly solve the issue. Rather, effective adapting isn’t about being passive or indifferent but being proactive or innovative. How you choose to adapt can be completely unique to your strengths, capacity, and situation. But if you have no idea on where to start building your adaptability skill, here are 3 easy steps you can take to pivot faster in adverse situations.

Step 1: Acknowledge and accept what happened

So many times we delay the process of adapting because we refuse to accept the issue. Ignoring the problem always makes the issue worse resulting in an unfavorable outcome. Even more, how are you going to adapt to fix the problem if you don’t even know what the problem is. When these situations arise it is important that we take time to evaluate the issue. Look for any potential causes, identify the root of the problem, do anything you can to learn as much information as you can about the problem. The more you understand the issue, the better equipped you’ll be to overcome it.

Step 2: Recognize what you feel

Once you understand the totality of the problem, now take a look internally to pinpoint your present emotions. Identify how the problem makes you feel and evaluate the feelings that are present. Think about how those emotions are influencing your thoughts and actions. Process why you feel this certain way. This is very similar to the first step in acknowledging the situation at hand. It’s ok to feel and process your emotions, rather it’s necessary. Once you understand your emotions, then you are able to respond in a way that is appropriate and helpful.

Step 3: Identify how you want to respond

Now once you understand the external problem and the internal emotions, you can set your gaze on the optimal response. Taking all the information you have gathered and processed, make an informed decision that will lead to the outcome you desire. In this process be open, allow yourself to be creative. Obviously what you planned didn’t or isn’t working, so you need to evaluate a different approach to the matter. Don’t be afraid to try something different or unique, often times that’s where the most success is found.

Overall, it can be hard to have to switch course in the middle of performance, but it is necessary. The quicker you learn how to adapt, the faster you’ll be able to get back on track after disruptions. Being proactive is key in changing the situation, don’t be afraid to put your hands to work to bring forth a different outcome. Don’t run from the change, embrace it.

‘Till Next Time