When I sat down to write this post I had every intention of writing about the many reasons you need a utility jacket in your wardrobe. And I still believe that, so definitely invest in one if you don’t already have one. But as with so many things this week, I found myself adapting to a new direction. This week has been full of “curve balls” and as a planner I have found myself having to toss out the plan and go with the flow. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s so important to stay adaptable.
On Saturday I woke up early to a heavy rain. I had planned to shoot several looks for the blog none of which required rain gear. I had spent the night before planning everything out, packing up my looks, and steaming the clothes. It was discouraging to be greeted with rain after putting in so much prep time and I was tempted to just roll over and go back to sleep, deflated. Instead I got up, went into my closet and created a new plan, one that wouldn’t be hindered by the weather.
In blogging, I can’t tell you how many times I have had something planned out perfectly. Every detail down to location, time of day, and outfit was laid out only to arrive and find that something beyond my control has changed everything. Instead of giving up or calling it quits this is when I lean the most on my creativity. If you learn to adapt you can create something even better than your original plan.
The trick is being open to seeing alternatives. So often we get afraid of deviating from our plan. It can mean uncertainty and that makes us feel out of control. In these moments I slow down and consider my options. There is nothing worse than just blazing on without refocusing. Take a minute to decide what you want your outcome to be. Ask how you can arrive at your desired goal. Have you considered all of the options or have you been so focused on one idea that you have neglected another path that might be even better!
Last week at work I was training two new-hires. Our first day together I had a list of everything I wanted to cover and we worked our way down the list, checking things off as we went along. They were catching on and we seemed to be covering the basics at a good pace. The next day at work was crazy. There were all kinds of “fires” happening that required my attention. I was frustrated because I wanted to get back to my training list. I was fighting the chaos. So I took a break to refocus. If this was how the day was going to go then I needed to adapt to it. In the end they received much more practical training by helping me actually do the work.
Life is so much easier when we adapt to what is happening around us, rather than fighting it. Don’t be scared by the unknown. Take a minute to consider the alternatives. Look for the positives in going in a different direction. Then formulate a new plan. Once you start creating these habits, I think you’ll find that everything always turns out better than you could have planned. xo Bryn
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Such great advice, Bryn. I absolutely have weeks like this too and while I love to have plans and structure it doesn’t always work out. I am not the best at adapting but I am slowly making progress and love your perspective here!
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
Thank you Taylor! It’s something I am constantly working on. It can be hard to let go of my well laid plans! ha xo Bryn
This is wonderful advice! I have learned to adjust as my life plan has changed many times, but I have a wonderful life and now I actually look forward to what is ahead. We are only promised today, so we have to make the best of it! XO
This is wonderful advice! I have learned to adjust as my life plan has changed many times, but I have a wonderful life and now I actually look forward to what is ahead. We are only promised today, so we have to make the best of it! XO
Loved reading your advice! Couldn’t agree more. It’s one of the most important traits as you get older, especially living in a new city.
Wishing you the best!
Olivia | http://www.oliviajeanette.com
Thanks for the great advice! I definitely need to learn to adapt more. I am so plan oriented that it bothers me so much when things don’t worked as planned. I pretty much toss my hands in the air and give-up. I really commend you for going with the flow. Your outfit ended up amazing!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
This was such a great post to read, Bryn! We all feel like this every once in a while, and adapting is definitely required when we find ourselves in certain situations. I love that you were open to going with the flow…and these photos turned out amazing!
Pink Champagne Problems
Such a great post Bryn – high fives everywhere!! So much so, that I realised I was nodding along quite vigorously as I made my way down through your post haha!!
Rebecca
xx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Aw thank you Rebecca!! That means so much to me! Glad you enjoyed it! xo Bryn
Oh Bryn never mind the rain you look gorgeous wearing your Utility Jacket and I like the way you’ve teamed your Denim Mini with Rubber Wellingtons to keep your feet dry, I’ve got a gorgeous pair of fuchsia pink Hunter Wellingtons which I team with a denim Mini and black Tights in wet weather.
Julie
x
LOVE this reminder girl!!! AMEN!
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