Chapter 1: The Necessity of Adaptability

Flexibility is crucial for navigating an ever-evolving world.

In the military, being adaptable is not optional; it’s a necessity. Routines can change dramatically in an instant, and lives may depend on your ability to adjust swiftly. After two decades of experience, I've learned the importance of this skill firsthand. However, you may need a brief tutorial on how to embrace such change, especially in today's fast-paced environment.

The reality is that you're stepping into a realm where transformations are occurring at an unprecedented rate. To keep pace, you must learn to adapt as quickly as an A.I. system responds to a query.

Consider the following examples of change:

• A.I. is increasingly taking over roles traditionally held by cashiers at stores like Walmart and Target.
• Driverless vehicles are gradually becoming a common sight on the streets.
• Movie studios are turning to A.I. for tasks typically performed by actors and writers.

This is just the beginning of a long list of shifts. Soon, occupations that once seemed stable could be at risk due to automation. The vision of a future reminiscent of The Jetsons is closer than you might have anticipated. Technology is not regressing; rather, it is advancing rapidly.

Take, for instance, the evolution of home entertainment:

• VCRs were revolutionary at first, only to be succeeded by CDs and subsequently DVDs.
• Each new technology required adjustment, and eventually, older formats became obsolete—much like Blockbuster, which seemed indestructible at one time.

Change is constant, and just as you get accustomed to something, a new innovation emerges. This is why cultivating flexibility is vital; you must acclimate to the inevitability of change, even if it is uncomfortable.

In the military, following orders was standard procedure. However, as a civilian, you must navigate decisions independently. You need to be perceptive of the shifts occurring around you and anticipate future changes.

While you might not be a tech expert, staying informed through diverse sources—reading articles, watching videos, and engaging in conversations—is essential. Avoid getting sidetracked by political narratives, as they often conceal more than they reveal.

According to Merriam-Webster, flexibility is defined as "a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements." The essence of this definition is adaptability. If you hesitate too long, you risk being left behind in the whirlwind of change.