What Happens When You’re Forced to Adapt?
Have you ever found yourself facing an unexpected challenge that completely upends your routine? Maybe it was a sudden work crisis, an overwhelming project deadline, or even a personal health issue. How did you respond? Did you struggle to regain control, or did you pivot, adapt, and come back stronger?
In a recent episode of Productivity Smarts, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Andrew Kadar, a physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a distinguished anesthesiologist. His journey is one of unexpected disruption and profound transformation. More than just a medical professional, Dr. Kadar found himself on the other side of healthcare—as a patient battling a life-threatening heart condition. His insights on resilience, productivity, and personal growth are invaluable to project and program managers striving to keep up with constant change while maintaining their well-being.
This blog will unpack key takeaways from our discussion, offering you actionable strategies to enhance your productivity, overcome obstacles, and embrace resilience in your professional and personal life.
The Power of Constant Learning: Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Changing World
One of the biggest challenges for project and program managers is staying ahead of an ever-evolving landscape. Technology changes, market demands shift, and methodologies evolve. The same is true in medicine.
Dr. Kadar highlighted how virtually none of the medications he used during his training are still in use today. “You have to put an awful lot of effort into staying current,” he shared. This applies to every industry. If you’re not continually learning, you’re falling behind.
So how can you stay ahead?
- Time-Block Learning: Set aside dedicated time each week to study emerging trends in your field.
- Mind Mapping for Knowledge Retention: Visualizing new information can enhance comprehension and recall.
- Surround Yourself with Experts: Just as Dr. Kadar relied on trusted colleagues, seek out mentors and professional networks.
Show Up and Stay Committed: The Foundation of Productivity
“Nothing happens in the operating room until the anesthesiologist shows up,” Dr. Kadar pointed out. The same principle applies to managing projects—progress doesn’t happen unless you consistently show up and engage with the work.
Ask yourself:
- Are you showing up fully for your projects, team, and responsibilities?
- Do you push through challenges, or do you let obstacles slow you down?
One key takeaway from our conversation is that success isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about facing them head-on. Whether in medicine, project management, or entrepreneurship, showing up and committing to the process is essential.
Overcoming Denial: The First Step to Productivity and Change
Denial can be a major roadblock to productivity. When Dr. Kadar first experienced chest pain, he dismissed it. Even as a medical professional, he rationalized it away. It wasn’t until he asked himself, “What would I tell a patient with these symptoms?” that he recognized the severity of his situation and sought help.
How does this apply to your work?
- Are you in denial about your workload and stress levels?
- Do you downplay issues rather than addressing them proactively?
A powerful exercise is to step outside of yourself and ask: If I were advising a friend in my situation, what would I tell them to do? This mental shift can help you make better, more objective decisions about workload management and professional growth.
The Role of Adaptability in Productivity: Life Will Throw Curveballs
Dr. Kadar’s book, Getting Better: A Doctor’s Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Renewal, emphasizes a crucial truth—life is unpredictable. As project managers, you already know this. Timelines shift, stakeholders change their minds, and unexpected crises arise. The key to success is not avoiding obstacles but learning how to adapt quickly and effectively.
How can you develop adaptability?
- Scenario Planning: Anticipate potential challenges and develop contingency plans.
- Emotional Resilience Training: Mindfulness, meditation, and stress management techniques can help you stay grounded in the face of uncertainty.
- Agile Workflows: The ability to pivot and iterate quickly ensures that changes don’t derail your progress.
Productivity and Recovery: Finding Your Energy Balance
Many professionals push themselves to the limit, sacrificing sleep, exercise, and personal time to get more done. Dr. Kadar’s experience illustrates the importance of balance. Post-surgery, he had to rethink his approach to energy management. He recognized that productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about optimizing effort for maximum impact.
Productivity Strategies Inspired by Recovery:
- Prioritize Deep Work: Focus on high-value tasks that move the needle.
- Listen to Your Body: Just as physical recovery requires rest, mental productivity thrives on breaks and rejuvenation.
- Build Sustainable Habits: Consistency is more important than intensity.
Supporting Others: The Overlooked Aspect of Leadership
One of the most profound insights from Dr. Kadar was the realization that recovery isn’t just about the patient—it impacts the entire support system. Caregivers, colleagues, and loved ones all play a role in helping someone navigate challenges.
As a leader, consider:
- How are you supporting your team through difficult transitions?
- Are you acknowledging the stress they’re under and providing solutions?
- Do you encourage open conversations about well-being and resilience?
Empathy and leadership go hand in hand. By fostering a supportive work culture, you not only enhance team productivity but also build trust and loyalty.
Final Reflection: Applying These Lessons to Your Work and Life
If there’s one major takeaway from my conversation with Dr. Kadar, it’s this: Productivity isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and the ability to pivot in the face of unexpected challenges.
Ask yourself:
- Am I continuously learning and staying ahead of industry trends?
- Do I show up fully and commit to my responsibilities, even in difficult times?
- Am I in denial about aspects of my work-life balance that need to change?
- How adaptable am I when faced with unexpected obstacles?
- Am I prioritizing recovery and energy management to sustain long-term success?
Dr. Kadar’s story is a powerful reminder that setbacks can become opportunities for growth. Whether you’re navigating a demanding project or rethinking your work-life balance, embracing resilience and adaptability will help you move forward with confidence.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you found value in these insights, I highly recommend reading Getting Better: A Doctor’s Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Renewal. You can find it on Amazon or visit GettingBetterDoc.com to learn more.
And if you’re looking for more strategies to optimize your productivity and manage your workload effectively, be sure to subscribe to Productivity Smarts for expert insights every week.
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