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Hey Citizens of the World,
Every four years, we're granted a bonus day in February - a gift of time that prompts us to ponder its potential. Do we tackle monumental feats or simply indulge in much-needed rest?
February 29th marks the return of the leap year. It's impossible to ignore the profound disruptions that have shaped our world since the last occurrence in 2020. The difference between February and March, back then, seemed to signify the chasm between the status quo and the unprecedented upheaval brought about by COVID-19.
In response to this whirlwind of change, the concept of the 'February 29th Mindset' was born. It's a mindset forged in the crucible of uncertainty, resilience and adaptability. It's about embracing disruption not as a setback, but as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
So today, of all days, let’s embrace the 'February 29th Mindset' - the power of holding two different ideas in your head at once while staying anchored in what you already know. Embracing new ideas is a fundamental skill to navigate change effectively.
This mindset isn't just about your Adaptability Quotient (AQ); it's your golden ticket when navigating the ever-changing landscape of today's world.
After delivering hundreds of AQ keynotes worldwide, we've heard your question: 'Now what?’ What can individuals and organisations start doing right now to improve their adaptability? That's why we've partnered with the experts at Culture Hero to craft a learning experience that goes beyond just content - Adaptability at Play - flexing those AQ muscles in real-time.
This is not your typical workshop; it's a journey into the heart of change. We'll tackle barriers, celebrate the power of collaboration (because collaboration always trumps genius) and learn the art of holding strong opinions lightly.
Just like the 'February 29th Mindset,' a playful approach sparks intelligent optimism and fresh thinking. And research proves it - play accelerates learning like nothing else. According to childhood development psychologist, Dr Karyn Purvis, it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain, unless it is done with play, in which case it only takes 10 to 20 repetitions.
Businesses that embrace the play narrative as a catalyst for change are the ones who thrive in uncertainty.
At Future Crunch, we're all about disrupting the norm and telling better stories. And we're excited about the recent article in Smart Company, which highlights how non-alcoholic beer powerhouse, Heaps Normal, is using play to shake things up.
We’re far from the first to use play to tell better stories to disrupt the norm. Liquid Death, Who Gives A Crap, OK Cupid and even the Barefoot Investor are all examples of brands that have leaned on play to change habits, create conversations and capture hearts and minds. Our imagination is the most powerful tool we have. And play can act like a key that unlocks the door to our imagination.
To learn more about bringing Adaptability at Play to your workforce, click here.
Still looking for reasons to play?
READ psychologists Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey’s book, “Immunity to Change.” Through years of research, they distilled down a simple and effective way to understand why we continually fail to make the changes we so desperately want to make.
QUOTE this the next time you need to convince someone that play is powerful.
“We learn more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”
Play on Planet Earth!