Adaptability Quotes

“There’s something in us that fiercely resists change. And there’s something else in us that welcomes it, finds it bracing, even seeks it out. It’s the latter trait that keeps the species going.”
John W. Gardner, Self-Renewal (Page xi)

“Change can be scary, but it’s utterly unavoidable. In fact, impermanence is the only thing you can truly rely on. If you are unwilling or unable to pivot and adapt to the incessant, fluctuating tides of life, you will not enjoy being here. Sometimes, people try to play the cards that they wish they had, instead of playing the hand they’ve been dealt. The capacity to adjust and improvise is arguably the single most critical human ability.”
Will Smith, Will (Page 193)

“Be pliable. When a man is living, he is soft and pliable; when he is dead, he becomes rigid. Pliability is life; rigidity is death, whether one speaks of man’s body, his mind, or his spirit.”
Bruce Lee, Striking Thoughts (Page 5)

“Mental toughness is often portrayed as determination and persistence, but it can also be flexibility and adaptability.
– I can be happy anywhere.
– I can work with what I have.
– I can have a good day with anyone.
You are tough when your mood is not dependent on your conditions.”
James Clear, Blog

Steve Penny Quote on Embracing Unforeseen Detours Rather Than Fighting Them

“Life is full of unforeseen detours. Circumstances happen which seem to completely cut across our plans. Learn to turn your detours into delights. Treat them as special excursions and learning tours. Don’t fight them or you will never learn their purpose. Enjoy the moments and pretty soon you will be back on track again, probably wiser and stronger because of your little detour.”
Steve Penny

Beyond the Quote (46/365)

In his book, Essential Zen Habits, Leo Babauta shares a mental analogy that can help you stay on track towards accomplishing your goals—or better yet, not stay on “track” at all yet continue heading in the direction of your goals in a more flexible, effective manner. You see, for many people, the idea of a plan gets equated to mental “train tracks” that get laid out so that you, the train, can power forward in a smooth, straight line down the track towards your destination.

“The straight line cannot proceed through the torturous twists of life.” ~ Giambattista Vico

“Never accept or be too comfortable with the status quo, because the companies that get into trouble are historically the ones that aren’t able to adapt to change and respond quickly enough.” ~ Tony Hsieh, Delivering Happiness

“Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt. Only by being open to change will you get the most from your talent.” ~ Nolan Ryan

“All fixed set patterns are incapable of adaptability or pliability. The truth is outside of all fixed patterns.” ~ Bruce Lee

“The key to the ability to change is a changeless sense of who you are, what you are about and what you value.”
Stephen Covey

“When you’re through changing, you’re through.” ~ Bruce Barton