The Art of Adapting: Embracing Life’s Changes in Your 20s
One of my favorite short stories about dealing with change is Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson. Honestly, I never read the book — I watched an animated short about it when I was just a little girl. Even so, it taught me valuable lessons about embracing change.
As a 20-something, sudden change has been a bit difficult for me. I spent almost 18–20 years of my life in an academic routine, from kindergarten all the way through college, and then suddenly, everything changed. You graduate, and there’s nothing left to do — no more classes, dissertations, or essays. That’s it.
What’s next? The routine you developed over the years has drastically changed, and it can take time to adapt.
After graduating, I knew that change was inevitable. Change is scary, but staying in the same place is even scarier. So, I did some things that helped me embrace change and adapt to an ever-changing environment:
1. Embrace Change and Enjoy Change
You cannot control change, but you can control how you react to it.
Keane’s song Everybody’s Changing says it best — everyone’s changing, and often we don’t notice it at first. Think about it: you’re not the same person you were a year ago. Fighting change only causes stress and drains your energy. Instead, focus on enjoying the growth that comes with new experiences. Sure, change can be scary, but staying stuck in one place is much scarier.
2. Adapt and learn
Be open to new possibilities and develop new skills.
Change often brings new challenges, but it also comes with new opportunities to learn. How great is it that you can always keep learning and developing new skills? After all, no one can “unlearn” things, and the knowledge you gain might come in handy when you least expect it. As you grow, you become a better version of yourself. These new skills will help you thrive in a new environment — whether it’s a new job, a new country, or new friends. Staying flexible and curious ensures you’re always growing, no matter the circumstances.
3. Anticipate and be proactive
Rather than being caught off guard by change, look for signs that things might be shifting.
Think of rattlesnakes: they warn larger animals to back off with their recognizable buzz. It’s a signal to retreat carefully and avoid sudden moves. Similarly, you should scan the horizon for changes. Is the sky cloudy? It might rain — so take cover or bring an umbrella. Is there an emerging market trend? Learn about it and apply it to your business.
By staying alert and proactive, you can position yourself ahead of the curve. This could mean seeking out new opportunities before others do or preparing for potential disruptions by acquiring new skills or knowledge in advance.
4. Overcome fear and take risks
Change can be scary, especially when it involves stepping into the unknown.
After graduating, you may feel uncertain about what to do next. And as young adults, we want to do so much — get a 9–5 job, start a business, travel the world, go skydiving, or scuba dive. The list goes on. But growth happens outside your comfort zone.
Acknowledge your fears, but don’t let them hold you back. Taking risks, even small ones, leads to new experiences and personal growth. Start by thinking, “Today, I’ll do this. Tomorrow, we’ll see.” By building this habit, you’ll gradually become more courageous and willing to take risks throughout your life.
5. Let go of the past
Holding onto things you can’t change only prevents you from moving forward.
Meet the Robinsons has a great quote:
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
What do you carry in your emotional backpack? You can’t add new things if you’re still holding onto old baggage. Accept that the past is behind you, and dwelling on it won’t alter your future. By letting go, you free up mental and emotional space to focus on what lies ahead, making it easier to embrace change.
6. Learn from change
Every change, carries a lesson.
Each experience is an opportunity to reflect and grow. Think about the scary moment most of us had as kids when we fell off a bike and scraped our knees. What did we do next? We wore knee pads. By looking back and identifying what you learned, you can apply those lessons to future situations, making you more resilient and adaptable.
7. Keep it simple
Overanalyzing or overcomplicating things can lead to indecision and anxiety during times of change.
No amount of thinking or anxiety can change your future. We often complicate our lives unnecessarily. Instead, focus on what matters most, take clear and actionable steps, and make swift decisions when needed. The simpler your approach, the faster you can adapt and succeed in new circumstances.
Anyway, change is an inevitable part of life, especially as a 20-something navigating new chapters. While it can be daunting to step out of familiar routines and face the unknown, embracing change allows us to grow, learn, and become stronger individuals. By adapting to new situations, letting go of what no longer serves us, and actively seeking opportunities, we can turn change into a tool for personal and professional development. Remember, fear is a natural response, but it shouldn’t hold us back. Each shift in life is an opportunity for growth — so take risks, keep things simple, and above all, enjoy the journey.
