Understand-Adapt-Thrive in a World of Constant Change
We recommend having an ONGOING CHANGE MAP for Understanding, Adapting, and Thriving
The objective of these pages is to help organizations and individuals manage approach/avoid through constant change. This will be done by doing the following:
Using Detached Observation, we will explore and discuss some of the underlying drives as to why there is so much change in our world.
Then, we will present specific categories that will be covered on a global basis. It is important to take a worldwide view to explore human behavior at the global level. How human society reacts to the categories listed will impact approach-avoid at an organizational level, along with its impacts on consumers, employees, and society as a whole. For mapping purposes, we can have these categories in a map to help you adapt to changes from the global inputs that will impact your organization or you as an individual. In addition, we can review all the risks to change that will impact your organization's survival and growth.
For each page of this section, you will find the following:
- Description of the category and why it is important
- The Detached Observation "IS" Statement
- Thought equation to help thinking from the Big Picture in a Detached way
- Our Mapping Strategy for each section
- Updates happening both in the US and the World
The world is complex. To better manage the use of your time (energy), we will strive to make content simple and easy to digest.
NOTE: Whether you work with us, someone else, or on your own, we advise you to have an Ongoing Map to take on Constant Change and Uncertainty. As you will read below, Unknown - Uncertainty - Constant Change will be on the menu going forward.
BIG PICTURE INTRODUCTION
Imagine being a person who is just about to turn 100 years old. Every day of their whole life was spent living in one small house in the same area, with the same people in their lives, and the same routines every day. Then, about a month before their 100th birthday, this person is moved to a foreign land, where everything is different every minute of every day. They now have to interact with different people every day, with no routines anymore. Everything is uncertain, and this person is having a very difficult time adapting to this change. This is an analogy of today's society and how the human brain is trying to adapt to new and constant change. Humans have spent most of their existence in small groups within a limited area, and with a small number of people to interact with.
The human race (brain) is attempting to adapt to a world that it was not built for. Humans can and do adapt to change. However, it does take time to adjust, and each person has a different speed and way of adapting to constant change.
Here is a list of the pages of the Big Picture:
- Exponential
- Energy
- Economy
- Resources
- Environment
- Knowledge
- Technology
- Global Village
Below is an example of a change map. Following this change map you will find a discussion of knowledge/empathy and then a list of ways people are coping with change.
Want to build an Ongoing Change Map that helps you and your organization through Constant Change?
Reach out to us by clicking the button below and we can be a part of your team to:
- Understand Change
- Adapt to Change
- Thrive through Change
At the bottom of this page, you will find an example of an Ongoing Change Map. Take a look and CONTACT US if you would like to have an Ongoing Change Map built for you.
Theory of Mind/Empathy = Knowledge/Intelligence
Use detached observation to evaluate self and society
As will be discussed in the knowledge page, human society has a lot of knowledge of both the self and how the world works (and how human society works). We can take that knowledge and improve moments and experiences with others. Let's begin with two definitions:
Theory of Mind - Ability to understand the thoughts, beliefs, desires, and emotions of other people.
Empathy - Ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
The information discussed on this site and the links shared to those who research Approach/Avoid and Human Behavior are knowledge we as humans have obtained, both about the self and society.
Let's take advantage of human-earned knowledge and improve the moments and the experiences of others.
DO: There is a large gap between the knowledge that humans have obtained and how it is shared and used throughout society. From a detached perspective, it seems like a long lag between what human society has discovered to an overall understanding of this discovered information.
An example of this is color:
Color perception is indeed a function of the brain, not a direct property of the physical world. The brain interprets the wavelengths of light reflected from objects and processes them into what we experience as color.
If you have the ability to be good with Theory of Mind/Empathy, consider being a leader in this field. With constant change comes stress. This stress can make it more difficult to understand other people (remember - predictions and energy from 7 Starters). Also, some people do not have the ability to be empathetic or use theory of mind. That is where these concepts need to be applied to help people who lack the ability or are just too overwhelmed.
Coping with Change
List of potential ways people will be coping in this changing world
By taking a detached observation, we can explore and learn more of how people are going to cope in this world of constant change.
People can reframe situations to change how they interpret inputs and feel more in control (control increases certainty)
Denial – Avoiding reality. This can help in keeping self-esteem and requires less energy.
Rationalization – A way to cope that preserves self-esteem by justifying thoughts and actions.
Distraction – Focusing on something else to avoid discomfort.
Fantasy or daydreaming – Escaping reality mentally to explore possibility or find relief. A better world than the one the person is in.
Problem-solving – Actively seeking solutions to reduce stress or uncertainty.
Future planning – Making goals to create a sense of direction. Taking control.
Compartmentalization – Keeping different parts of life mentally separated. Managing energy and stress.
Intellectualization – Using logic or facts to distance from emotions.
Humor – Laughing as a release and perspective shift.
Crying – A natural emotional release.
Expressing emotions through art, writing, or music – Externalizing internal experiences. Making a better world.
Meditation or mindfulness – Staying present and centered. Can reduce stress - helps in coping with change.
Gratitude – Focusing on what’s good, even in difficulty.
Emotional suppression – Bottling things up (not always healthy, but common).
Journaling – Making sense of experiences through reflection.
Self-talk – Coaching ourselves through inner dialogue.
Seeking beauty – Nature, art, music, or aesthetics to feel grounded.
Hope and optimism – Believing things can improve. Avoid depression.
Spiritual practices – Prayer, rituals, or meditation for peace and connection.
Talking with friends or family – Sharing burdens and getting validation.
Belonging to a group or community – Finding strength in connection.
Helping others – Coping through kindness, shifting focus outward.
Seeking support or therapy – Getting guidance or professional help.
Social comparison – Measuring ourselves against others (for better or worse).
Conforming to social norms – Feeling secure through fitting in. Cultural survival.
Storytelling – Making meaning through shared narratives.
Humor with others – Laughing together to reduce collective stress.
Imitating role models – Learning how to cope by watching others.
Social media engagement – Connecting (or distracting) digitally.
Routine and structure – Creating order in daily life.
Exercise – Releasing stress through movement.
Consuming comfort food or drinks – Soothing or numbing emotions.
Shopping or material consumption – Seeking control or gratification.
Working or staying busy – Distracting through productivity.
Avoidance or procrastination – Delaying stress-inducing situations.
Travel or physical escape – Changing environments to shift perspective.
Cleaning or organizing – Gaining control through external order.
Self-care rituals – Baths, skincare, routines to soothe and reset.
Engaging in hobbies – Focusing attention on something pleasurable.
Exercise to improve self and society awareness:
Reflect on the above list to observe how you cope with constant change and stress. Then, reflect on people in society and see this list play out in various forms.