Adaptability may be your most essential skill in the covid-19 world

Elizabeth Heath  - May 26, 2020

• What is adaptability and why do we need it?

Adaptability was an important survival skill even before the pandemic, given all the changes in the economy that were forcing people to shift jobs, move to different cities or switch schools every so often, says Patrick J. Rottinghaus, associate professor and program director of the counseling psychology graduate program at the University of Missouri. Rottinghaus, who specializes in career issues, defines adaptability, in part, as “the capacity to cope with and capitalize on change, and the ability to recover when unforeseen events alter life plans.”

• Cultivating adaptability in kids

• Moving forward and recognizing benefits

Children, Sue L. Motulsky (associate professor in the Division of Counseling and Psychology at Lesley Universitysays) says, are especially benefiting. “They’re learning to cook with their parents; they’re having extra time to themselves.” Importantly, she says, with missed milestones such as graduation and prom, “they’re learning to be disappointed and still be okay.” The ability to accept change rather than shutting down in the face of it is a skill that will serve these children for a lifetime. 

The pandemic, says Laurie Leinwand (a licensed professional counselor based in Denville, N.J.), “has been a global experiment in discomfort.” It hasn’t been easy on anyone, but, she adds, “learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable is what will get us through it.”