When Change Comes Knocking

Change doesn’t always arrive with a warning. It can be subtle, like a shift in team dynamics, or sudden, like a new role or a life event that reshapes your priorities. Whether it’s welcome or unexpected, change has a way of asking us to grow. Adapting to change isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about building the capacity to stay grounded, curious, and open—even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

The Myth of “Just Power Through”

As we navigate the different seasons of life, it’s tempting to treat change like a hurdle to clear. Push harder. Work longer. Keep going. But resilience isn’t about brute force. It’s about flexibility. It’s the ability to bend without breaking, to pause and recalibrate, and to ask for support when you need it. Adaptability means recognizing that your needs may shift. What worked last month might not work today. That’s feedback, not failure. And feedback is a tool for growth.

Make One Change at a Time

You don’t need a dramatic overhaul to adapt well. Sometimes, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference. Here are a few ways to start:

1. Reframe the narrative. Instead of “I have to deal with this,” try “I get to learn from this.” That simple change in language can open up new possibilities, new ways of looking at your situation.
2. Check in with yourself. What’s one thing you need today to feel more supported? A short walk, a conversation with a colleague, or a moment of quiet can help you reset.
3. Lean into community. Whether it’s a coworker, a friend, a coach, or a care provider, connection builds resilience. You don’t have to navigate change alone.

Why Adaptability Matters

So often, adaptability is discussed in a work setting, like how to become a better leader, or how to get ahead. And while that is valuable, it’s important to understand that just as change isn’t limited to work, and neither is adaptability. We are tested, sometimes in the smallest of ways, every single day, forcing us to respond to the unknown. And the unknown can be stressful, scary, overwhelming, disappointing. Maybe your luggage got lost on your latest vacation. Or you planned a dinner with friends only to have them cancel at the last minute. Your car blew a tire on the way to work. The local grocery store was out of an ingredient you needed for your meal plan that evening. Whatever situation that made you stop and think, “what do I do now?”

It would be easy to throw up our hands, and let challenges or inconveniences like these ruin our day. Adaptability says otherwise. Those who respond to these types of situations with adaptive thinking tend to experience lower levels of stress, greater emotional regulation, and stronger problem-solving skills, generally boosting mental health and well-being. Adaptability allows you to take challenging experiences and approach them with a calm and clear mind.

Reflect and Reset

Take five minutes today to reflect on a recent change in your life. You can write your answers down or simply think them through.

Ask yourself:

• What did I learn from this experience?
• What strengths did I use to get through it?
• What support helped me most?
• What would I do differently next time?

This kind of reflection helps you build awareness and confidence. It also reinforces your ability to adapt with intention, not just reaction.

Change is a shared experience; it’s a normal part of all aspects of life. And while your journey is unique, there are resources available to help along the way when you need it. If you’re looking to hone your adaptability skills, check out your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) from Uprise Health. There are self-guided courses, webinars, resource materials, and so much more – all designed to help you grow. Do you need a little more accountability to build these skills? Book time with one of our coaches in the Uprise Health app for hands-on support. Our resources are built to empower you, and build the skills to adapt and respond to change with confidence.