Adapting on a personal level
Presentation – Adapting to Change by Guðbjörg Eggertsdóttir
Yet, in the process of adjusting to new environments, expectations, and challenges, there is a subtle risk. It is the risk of losing touch with one’s authentic self. The art of adaptation, thus, is not about becoming someone else but about evolving while staying rooted in one’s truth. Balancing flexibility with authenticity requires awareness, reflection, and a deep connection to personal values.
Authenticity begins with self-awareness. It is the understanding of one’s values, beliefs, and emotional landscape. When individuals know what truly matters to them, they can navigate change without compromising their integrity. Mindfulness practices encourage this self-awareness. Techniques, including meditation or Oi Gong, help in grounding the mind and body in the current moment. Through mindful observation, one can discern whether a change aligns with inner truth or stems from external pressure. This awareness transforms adaptation from a reactive process into a conscious choice.
Core values serve as a compass in times of uncertainty. Writing down and reflecting on these values provides clarity when faced with decisions that demand flexibility. For example, a leader adapting to a new organisational culture can stay authentic. They achieve this by aligning new behaviours with their guiding principles, like compassion, integrity, and respect. Adaptation then becomes an expression of authenticity rather than a departure from it. When actions are consistent with values, authenticity strengthens even amid transformation.
Reflection is another vital tool for maintaining authenticity. Journeying after significant experiences allows individuals to process emotions and evaluate whether their responses felt genuine or forced. This practice nurtures self-trust and helps spot patterns of adaptation that either support or undermine authenticity. Over time, reflection builds resilience—the capacity to stay true to oneself while embracing change.
Embodied practices also play a crucial role in this balance. The body often senses misalignment before the mind does. Through mindful movement, breathing exercises, or stillness, individuals reconnect with their physical and emotional centre. This embodied awareness acts as an anchor, reminding them of their essence even when external circumstances shift rapidly. It is through the body that authenticity finds its grounding.
Authentic adaptation also depends on compassionate communication. Expressing needs, boundaries, and perspectives with kindness fosters mutual understanding and respect. In relationships and workplaces, this openness enables collaborative adaptation rather than self-suppression. When people communicate authentically, they create environments where flexibility and individuality coexist harmoniously.
Finally, maintaining authenticity requires regular self-check-ins. Setting aside time to ask reflective questions—such as “Am I acting in alignment with my values?” or “Which changes feel energising versus draining?”—keeps one attuned to inner truth. These moments of introspection make sure that adaptation remains a conscious evolution rather than a gradual drift away from authenticity.
In essence, adapting while maintaining authenticity is a dynamic dance between change and constancy. It is not about resisting transformation but about allowing it to unfold through the lens of one’s true self. When awareness, reflection, and compassion guide the process, adaptation becomes an act of integrity. The world will change, but authenticity remains the steady rhythm that keeps the dance in harmony.
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