5 Ways of Adaptability

Photo by Mobile Development on Grow with Google

Adaptability is one of the most important skills we can develop today. It shapes how we respond to change, navigate uncertainty, and continue growing in fast-shifting environments.

Joining Bangkit Academy led by Google, Tokopedia, Gojek, & Traveloka was an exciting journey for me. I had to adapt to a new environment, new people, and a new way of working. Here are the 5 ways I adapted:

1. Interacting

Adaptability starts with the way we communicate and connect with others.

Being adaptable means knowing how to adjust:

• your tone,
• your approach,
• your expectations,
• and your communication style, depending on the person and situation.
  
  

Good adaptability makes collaboration smoother and prevents unnecessary conflict.

2. Achieving

Goals can change. Targets shift. Plans evolve.

Adaptable people don’t break when expectations move — they adjust.

They:

• redefine what success looks like,
• adjust timelines,
• remain committed despite obstacles,
• and stay flexible enough to change direction when needed.
  
  

This helps them stay consistent even when conditions aren’t ideal.

3. Learning

Adaptability thrives on learning — and not just any learning.

It’s about:

• learning new things,
• re-learning what you thought you knew,
• and un-learning old habits that no longer work.
  
  

Continuous learners adapt faster because they’re open to new perspectives.

4. Working

The world of work is changing rapidly — remote work, hybrid setups, automation, new tools.

Adaptable people can:

• switch between platforms,
• adjust to new workflows,
• embrace new responsibilities,
• and stay productive in different environments.
  
  

This keeps them relevant and resilient.

5. Thinking

Perhaps the most important form of adaptability:

mental adaptability.

This means having a mindset that:

• tolerates uncertainty,
• accepts that change is inevitable,
• reframes challenges as opportunities,
• and stays curious instead of threatened by new things.
  
  

Adaptable thinkers don’t just survive change — they grow through it.

Closing Thoughts

Adaptability isn’t a skill you master once.
It’s a lifelong practice — a mindset of flexibility, curiosity, and openness.

The more adaptable you become, the more confidently you can navigate the unpredictable world ahead.

Stay flexible. Stay curious. Keep evolving.