Adaptive vs. Technical

Many issues or problems we face are adaptive problems, or in other words, generated from the complexities of the mind. For example, when most people go on a diet they state a numeric figure they wish to achieve; “I want to lose 10 lbs.” However, the desire is not to lose 10 lbs, many of us have accomplished this numerous times, but the goal should be to lose 10 lbs. and keep it off. However, usually after losing the weight, research states most people put the weight back on and add an additional 7%. This is caused by solving an adaptive problem with a technical solution. A technical solution is like removing an appendix or landing a plane. Basically, it is a routine or a process that is learned to achieve a specific result; much like that of a diet. A diet is a new routine one uses to lose weight and typically is discontinued once the goal is achieved.

Thus, the problem of shedding 10 lbs. and keeping it off will remain because the solution does not match the problem. There are many reasons why we put on weight over time; however few of them can be attributed to not knowing proper nutrition (technical). Most reasons relate specifically to: emotions, stress, needs, confidence, etc.; all adaptive problems developed through the woven complexities of our minds.

There is a great exercise called “Immunity to Change” which addresses the need for adaptive solutions and helps people attain the results desired. Give me a call, and I will be pleased to discuss this with you, or we can schedule a date and I can present this topic to your office. The example given dealt with weight loss, but many adaptive type problems occur at work, and U.S. companies spend billions addressing these issues with technical solutions and do not understand why the training was not successful.

Have a great week,

Keith