Mindset Training

Adapt

As we move into the spring season, we're reminded of the unpredictability of nature. From beautiful sunshine to sudden rainstorms, the weather can change in an instant. Our Spring Collection is dedicated to this volatility in the climate that, in many ways, mirrors the ups and downs of life. The collection is designed to adapt to whatever conditions come our way, and with this month’s newsletter, we’ll explore the theme of adaptation as it relates to all aspects of our lives.

“Change is inevitable, growth is optional.”

Change is a constant in life; it's something we can't control. What we can control is how we respond to it. That's where the art of adaptation comes in. Adapting to change is a crucial skill that allows us not just to survive, but thrive in an ever-changing world. When we choose to adapt, we open ourselves up to new opportunities. But when we resist change, we limit ourselves and risk getting left behind. The difference between those who succeed and those who struggle is often a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

Adapt in the Spring Campaign

In the spring campaign, we interviewed three athletes, Caleb Plant, Omar Bolden, and Jeremiah Maestre, to gain insight into their unique approaches to maintaining a spirit of growth and evolution throughout their careers and their personal lives.

Caleb Plant is a man whose boxing career and life story have been defined by the ups and the downs. His journey to the top is a testament to the power of resilience and the rewards of an unrelenting dedication to his craft. His words about the power of resilience were, “If you quit, that’s all that your life will ever be. But if you keep pressing on, who knows what’s next.” 

Our second athlete of highlight was Omar Bolden. Omar retired from the NFL in 2017 and faced the new challenge of carving out a personal identity separate from his athletic achievements. Yoga, meditation, and breathwork, along with continued athletic training, acted as anchors in that process, connecting his old identity to his new pursuits and allowing him to successfully adapt his skillset into entrepreneurship and coaching.

Our third athlete, Jeremiah Maestre, is an entrepreneur, boxer, and father. These three roles present a myriad of challenges that demand his attention from dawn to dusk. His desire to bring the best version of himself for those around him requires that he prioritize his own well-being. He talked to us about creating a daily practice in which he isolates himself, before and after everyone else is asleep, to reset and ground himself with structured training and cold exposure. With this routine, he is able to bring his full energy and focus to everything he does. He reflected on what this ritual has revealed: “Isolation taught me to recognize it’s not my environment that’s going to make me rise up to the highest level, it’s the way I challenge myself internally.”

Philosophies of Adaptation

In the spirit of this campaign, we wanted to share some wisdom on the importance of adaptation from several philosophers and spiritual leaders throughout history.

First, the Stoic philosopher Epictetus once said, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." This sentiment rings true when it comes to adaptation. We may not be able to control the challenges that come our way, but we can control how we react to them. By maintaining a willingness to adapt, we can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Likewise, spiritual leader and author Eckhart Tolle reminded us that "Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness." When we encounter difficult situations, we must remember that they are not happening to us, but for us. These challenges are opportunities for growth and learning, and by embracing them with an open mind and heart, we can become stronger and more resilient individuals.

Finally, the philosopher Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Adaptation is not a one-time event, but a daily practice. By making a habit of adapting to the challenges that come our way, we can cultivate a mindset of resilience and perseverance that will serve us well in all aspects of life.

Neuroscience of Adaptation

In addition to the philosophical and spiritual benefits of cultivating an adaptive mindset, neuroscience has shown that our brains have a remarkable ability to adapt and change throughout our lives. This phenomenon is known as neuroplasticity, and it allows us to rewire our brains to be more adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges. Studies have shown that certain practices can indeed promote neuroplasticity and help us develop a more resilient mind. Two of these practices that have gained significant attention in recent years are mindfulness and meditation.

Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment, without judgment or distraction. This practice has been shown to help reduce stress and improve emotional regulation, leading to greater resilience in the face of challenges. Similarly, meditation involves training the mind to focus on a specific object, such as the breath, in order to cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. Through consistent practice, meditation has been found to increase gray matter in areas of the brain associated with attention and emotional regulation, leading to greater resilience in the face of adversity. By intentionally practicing these activities, we can train our brains to respond to challenges with greater ease and flexibility, allowing us to adapt to even the most difficult situations.

As we conclude this month's newsletter, we encourage you to take some time to reflect on the theme of adaptation and how it applies to your life. The philosophies of adaptation from thinkers such as Epictetus, Eckhart Tolle, and Aristotle remind us that resilience and perseverance are not innate qualities, but habits that can be cultivated through consistent practice. Furthermore, the neuroscience of adaptation demonstrates that practices like mindfulness and meditation can promote neuroplasticity and help us develop a more resilient mind. As we head into the new season, let's choose to embrace the challenges that come our way, and treat them as opportunities to become stronger, more adaptable individuals.