12 Ideas For Thriving In The Future

I recently heard a presentation by Jim Carroll, a Canadian futurist, made to a group of business people from the technology sector. He affirmed what we all know – that things are evolving at a rapid pace. For example:
The volume of knowledge is doubling every 8 years.
A person taking a science degree will find that within their first year of work about half of what they learned will be obsolete.
In about 20 years, 65% of children who are now of pre-school age will will work in jobs that have not even been invented yet!

What does this mean for every one of us? Standing still does not mean maintaining the status quo. It means falling behind - falling behind rapidly. In order to keep pace and thrive, it will be vital to be creative, innovative, flexible and adaptable.

What can you do to be more creative, innovative, flexible and adaptable? Here are 12 suggestions for thriving in the future.

1. Be passionate and inspired. When you are doing what you love and loving what you do, you naturally have more energy, imagination, creativity and enthusiasm. Find ways to spend more time doing what engages and inspires you in all areas of your life.

2. Know what you want to create in your life. Have dreams and goals. Determine your compelling 'why', or life purpose. Know what values and characteristics you want to exhibit. When you are clear about why you are here, who you want to be, and what you want to create, or do, you have a path forward and will be open and able to respond to opportunities when they arise.

3. Know what your strengths are, develop them and as much as possible play to them. These are your natural gifts and talents – use them to be the best you you can be. If you spend time and effort trying to turn weaknesses into strengths, you will end up with mediocrity. Determine if a level of competence is needed for an area of weakness (e.g. a basic working knowledge) and equip yourself with that. Find the people and resources that will offset your weakness and set you up for success.

4. Be conscious of where you put your focus. What we focus on we create more of. If you focus on what is not working, what is lacking and what is frustrating you, you will get more of those things. When you focus on what is working, on the abundance you have and what brings you joy, you will create more positive and fulfilling things in your life. Have an attitude of gratitude.

5. Set yourself up for success by living and working in a great environment. Surround yourself with positive, creative and enthusiastic people whom you can trust to give you constructive feedback and support. Create an environment where it is safe to risk and to share ideas. Have things in your home and workplace that energize and inspire you, such as photographs, music you enjoy, flowers, plants, favourite colours.

6.View mistakes as opportunities, instead of judging them as 'wrong'. A mistake is really what we label getting a different result than what we expected. I once met a business leader who held meetings where people were encouraged to bring their 'mistakes' to share to have everyone learn from them and to allow for solutions to be brainstormed.

7.Be open. When an idea surfaces, even if it seems outlandish, rather than discounting it, consider the possibilities it may hold. It may be the springboard to other more feasible ideas, innovations and something great.

8.When a problem arises be aware of possible obstacles, however focus on solutions. Do not let obstacles or fear of obstacles stop you in your tracks. Find a way through. Be solution-oriented in everything you do.

9.Notice what is working well and build on that. This is an extension of #3 strengths and #4 focus. Look for ways to enhance, expand, adapt and improve what is working well.

10.Acknowledge and Celebrate your successes, large and small. Give yourself and others a pat on the back for your creativity, innovation, flexibility and adaptability.

11.Be sure to give yourself time away from the busy-ness of life and work to refresh, rejuvenate and recharge your batteries. Take time for activities you like to do, to appreciate nature, to play. Our creativity is sparked when we shift gears.

12.Change is a constant in life. Let go of the fear and the need to control. Fear is a negative focus and control is a myth. As change emerges, accept reality, rather than resisting it. Do not waste time and energy denying what is and wishing it wasn't. Instead, adjust your perspective to the new reality, determine your options and choose your response.