Adaptive Thinking: Debunk the 'Fixed Mindset' in Your Mind
first.. What is Adaptive ?
So, adapting is about 'fitting in'.
and that means, Adaptive Thinking is..
'Fitting' the 'mindset' with its 'surrounding'
so, for the 'context' here to put it simply, we can say it.. we 'grouping-the-variable' (from our 'surrounding').
So our perspective/attention can concentrate,
we even can avoid brain fog and think more clearly.
Then.. what is 'Surrounding'?
is it just an in-the-moment/present event that can be considered as a 'surrounding'?
well.. there is nothing wrong with that point, but hear me out..
what I mean about "surrounding" here, are actually :
your awareness about what's happening to you/others.. and what's gonna come next.
this "awareness" about your surrounding makes you can get easily to think "ahead" (and indeed, you steps ahead figuratively)
rather than observing the present moment that has a vast amount of data, and it's indeed overwhelming.. I recommend you to just recognize the 'Pattern'
[I would write about how to recognize a 'Pattern' in another post...]
when we read the 'pattern', we can make 'options' and make decisions at speed. (or even responding to the problem head-on with a 'readiness' state of arousal)
that's why… adaptive thinking is already perfect for us who generally would face such ups and downs, randomized events, and changes.
what makes people become too 'rigid', 'perfectionist', or 'fixed'?
what makes them 'unable' to adapt? why??
let's say, we imagine the 'surrounding' as a fish pond.
the fish='us' ,and the fish pond='our current surrounding'
we naturally or consciously will fit in the 'pond', we face the problem that is created from the pond, and we try to survive and live a life there too.. we had ambition and a sense of self-worth to be better and get on top of there, we knew how to gain something we wanted because we were really familiar with this pond.... and then...the pond changed-
Fixed-mindedness is really possible to occur when they are trying too much to 'fit in' (in mindset context) and depend on few or even one surrounding for them to survive and face the problem..
they have narrow areas of 'surrounding' that they prefer to focus on and fit in with.
and those make them vulnerable when their surrounding changes.
and become numb when it comes to accepting the new circumstances.
and that's why they struggle to be "ahead in-the-moment"
when they always struggling to be ahead in-the-moment, they stop themselves from facing the situation head-on and need to depend on their 'Formulatic solution' based on their own 'rigid structure/ framework' beliefs.
'Formulatic Solutions' exist because general assumption that finding an answer for their problem would be the same as answering a math problem (not really using 'math' but it does depend on instructions and following some guidelines as if it's like a real formula for them to solve their problem without considering other perspective and possibilities)
they would be too 'perfect' or too 'ignorant' with their performance.
this pattern of thinking occurs when they are too dependent on using a 'formulaic solution', its effect can decrease their creativity, adaptability, and independent thinking/think-on-your-feet things.
which would affect the mental/emotional destruction.
such as anxiety, worry, overthinking, learned helplessness, burn-out from high stressors, mental block that makes it difficult for them to think, inhibition, self-worth problems, etc.
imagine how they manage to survive in that type of mental setting.
no wonder, they need to depend on their social circle too much, since being alone for them makes them more prone to experience depression, burn-out, sadness, worry, isolation/loneliness, unassertiveness, and timidity. (well.. in this case, this individual was the dependent type, some cases can be avoidant too.. depends on their attachment style)
because there is a hierarchy & system in a social circle/group, and that makes it easier to respond to a new change/problem/situation/even dangerous situation,
and that's because:
the hierarchy makes the system, which means everyone has their own role to focus on, so they can depend on each other, or
it is just the higher-ups that have the most impactful/active role while others are just followers that depend and follow the higher-ups.
Adaptive thinking is the skill that allows us to effortlessly flow with the ever-changing currents of life. It's the art of recognizing patterns in our surroundings, making quick decisions, and staying one step ahead. By maintaining a dynamic awareness of our surroundings, we equip ourselves with "mental readiness" to navigate the unpredictable and the unfamiliar with confidence that will affect our optimal level of performance.
On the flip side, the 'Fixed Mindset' often emerges when we become too entrenched in our comfort zones, relying on rigid structures, and overusing formulatic solutions. This limited perspective can lead to a host of mental and emotional challenges, from anxiety and learned helplessness to a lack of creativity and adaptability.
In a world that's constantly evolving, the ability to think adaptively can make all the difference in our personal and professional lives. It's a skill that fosters independence, resilience, and the confidence to face new challenges head-on.
So, as we wrap up this exploration of adaptive thinking, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own mindset. Are you embracing the power of adaptability and the fluidity of thought, or have you unknowingly fallen into the trap of a 'Fixed Mindset'? Recognizing where you stand is the first step toward a more agile and fulfilling journey in a world of endless possibilities.
