A recent study conducted by PsychTests, a provider of psychological assessments for human resources, therapists, academics, researchers, and others, finds that people who embrace and thrive in changing times are not only resilient – they’re open-minded, curious, driven, and so much more.
The company points out that despite amazing advances in technology in an ever-changing world, most people are still very much creatures of habit. They have the same morning routine, generally shop at the same places, and stick to the same comfort foods they love best. This is why many become fearful when dramatic change looms on the horizon or, worse yet, blindsides them on an idle Tuesday. Other people become angry, and stubbornly refuse to concede to the inevitable.
Their counterparts, however, thrive on change and purposely seek it out. According to research from PsychTests, it’s a matter of personality.
Adapting vs. Avoiding
The company analyzed results from 3,781 people who took its Big Five Personality test, and compared two distinct groups: Those who adapt easily to change and those who don’t.
Here’s where change-adapters and change-avoiders differ:
- Not surprisingly, 66 percent of change-adapters (vs. 23 percent of change-avoiders) go out of their way to try new things. This can be anything from a new route to work, a new restaurant, or even a totally new career.
- 81 percent of change-adapters (vs. 48 percent of change-avoiders) are broad-minded. They seek out different perspectives of the world from different people, and are mentally flexible.
- 61 percent of change-adapters (vs. 18 percent of change-avoiders) enjoy meeting new people. They are outgoing and friendly.
- 89 percent of change-adapters (vs. 50 percent of change-avoiders) have an intense hunger for knowledge. When a topic interests them, they will learn everything they can about it from as many sources as possible.
- 84 percent of change-adapters (vs. 52 percent of change-avoiders) continuously strive toward self-improvement. They believe that learning and development is a lifelong process, and that there is always room to grow, be it personally, professionally, psychologically or spiritually.
- Along the same lines, 64 percent of change-adapters (vs. 38 percent of change-avoiders) set the bar high for themselves. They don’t just try to meet expectations, they strive to exceed them.
- 87 percent of change-adapters (vs. 40 percent of change-avoiders) have strong, solid self-esteem. They recognize their value, have a healthy dose of self-respect, and believe in themselves.
- 78 percent of change-adapters (vs. 42 percent of change-avoiders) nurture their creativity. They are innovators who make it a point to think outside the box.
- Rather than depending on others to motivate them, 72 percent of change-adapters (vs. 40 percent of change-avoiders) are self-motivated. Even when it comes to difficult or unpleasant tasks, they are able to find the incentive from within to move forward.
- Similarly, 85 percent of change-adapters (vs. 55 percent of change-avoiders) are driven to succeed. They won’t stop until they finish what they’ve set out to do.
- 51 percent of change-adapters (vs. 22 percent of change-avoiders) like to be kept busy. They hate being left idle and are always working toward a goal or objective.
- 72 percent of change-adapters (vs. 52 percent of change-avoiders) tackle each task they take on with eagerness and dedication, no matter how inconsequential.
- 76 percent of change-adapters (vs. 32 percent of change-avoiders) are good under pressure. They are even-keeled and can handle stress.
- 52 percent of change-adapters (vs. 22 percent of change-avoiders) make it a point to pick their battles. They have learned to let go of the little things that are just not worth worrying about.
- 71 percent of change-adapters (vs. 50 percent of change-avoiders) take pride in being different. They like standing out from the crowd.
- Despite their tendency to be spontaneous and to seek out the new and unknown, the majority of change-adapters (68 percent) are actually quite content with their life (vs. 32 percent of change-avoiders). This may be because they always have something new and exciting to pursue, and a life with purpose contributes to life satisfaction.
“Although we can avoid some changes, the world will continue to progress with or without us. When change is thrust upon you – job loss, divorce, a new addition to the family, new technologies or business models at work – the only thing you can do is adapt; otherwise, you’ll be left behind,” says Ilona Jerabek, PhD, president of PsychTests. “The main reason why we avoid change is fear – the fear of not being able to cope, of losing the comfort of familiarity, of ambiguity and the unknown, of pushing our boundaries and stepping outside our comfort zone. But here’s the thing about change: The only way you will learn to adapt is to dive into in those mystery waters. And our research shows that those who embrace change are actually happier, more flexible, and resilient. We may not always like change, but sometimes it’s exactly what we need to jumpstart our life and make things better.”