What does it mean to reframe a challenge?

Reframing a challenge means shifting how you see it—asking new questions so you can spot possibilities, lessons and next steps instead of just the difficulty.

Why is adaptability important for resilience?

Adaptability helps you respond flexibly when life changes without warning. It lowers stress, improves problem-solving and makes uncertainty easier to manage.

How can I start practising tactical reframing?

Begin by naming the challenge clearly, then ask: ‘What can I learn from this?’ or ‘How can I grow through this?’ and look for one small action you can take.

What did COVID-19 teach us about adaptability?

COVID-19 highlighted how vital connection, routine and focusing on what we can control are. Many people had to find new ways to cope, work and support each other.

How do I stay calm when everything feels uncertain?

Focus on what is within your control, lean on supportive relationships and break problems into small, manageable steps instead of trying to fix everything at once.

Can coaching help me become more adaptable?

Yes. Coaching gives you tools to reframe setbacks, practise flexible thinking and build routines that support you through change rather than overwhelm you.

Military Mindset

How to Reframe Challenges and Build Adaptability: Mission 9/10

Sam Kinsey-Briggs

Nov 5

3 min read

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Woman contemplating choices, surrounded by symbols of mountains, weather, plants, and a question mark. Colorful line art on a beige background. — **Adapt and Overcome – Tactical Reframing**

Mission 9: Adapt and Overcome – Tactical Reframing

Welcome to Mission 9 of the Mental Fitness Battlebox series. Resilience isn’t just about staying strong; it’s about flexibility, about adapting to challenges and overcoming them. In this mission, we focus on Tactical Reframing: changing your perspective to turn obstacles into opportunities by reframing challenges.

Adapting and overcoming are essential life skills, particularly when faced with unprecedented challenges. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s the value of adaptability and the strength of the human spirit.

Why Adaptability is Key to Resilience

Life is unpredictable, and challenges can strike without warning. The ability to adapt allows us to navigate these situations with clarity and purpose. Research shows that individuals who practise adaptability experience lower stress levels and are better equipped to manage uncertainty (Stress & Health Journal, 2023).

Key Benefits of Adaptability:

Enhanced Problem-Solving

A flexible mindset helps you see new solutions to old problems.

Reduced Stress

Accepting change reduces resistance and anxiety, making transitions smoother.

Growth and Learning

Adapting to challenges fosters personal and professional development.

Sam’s Story: Adapting During COVID-19

For Sam Kinsey-Briggs, the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges but also valuable lessons. Like many, Sam had to adjust to life under restrictions. While she felt fortunate to have her wife, Lauren, and the space to adapt, she was keenly aware of the struggles faced by others.

“COVID-19 was a wake-up call for all of us. I was lucky—we had a garden to exercise in, space to work from home, and each other for company. But I know so many people faced isolation, confinement, and the frustration of not having room to breathe. It was hard to watch, knowing how lonely and stressful it was for so many.”

To maintain connection and structure, Sam and Lauren built weekly routines that prioritised family and teamwork:

Weekly Quiz Nights: Zoom quizzes with Lauren’s relatives kept laughter and connection alive.
Regular Family Calls: Phone check-ins created a sense of closeness and support.
Friday Coffee with the Scrum Team: These calls were a chance to decompress, swap tips, and stay human in difficult times.

“Those small routines of connection—laughing during a quiz, catching up with my family, or just hearing how my team was staying positive—made all the difference. They reminded me that even when we’re physically apart, we can still show up for each other.”

Lessons from COVID-19: Adapting and Learning

The pandemic highlighted universal challenges:

Loneliness: We all had to find new ways to connect.
Confinement: Limited space forced creative use of what we had.
Uncertainty: Constantly changing rules tested our adaptability.

Reflection Points:

Leverage Your Resources: Use the space, time, and tools you do have.
Stay Connected: Keep meaningful relationships active.
Focus on Control: Let go of what’s out of reach; act on what’s within it.

Tactical Strategies for Reframing Challenges

Reframing is about shifting your perspective to see possibilities instead of obstacles. Here’s how to make it part of your battlebox:

Acknowledge the Challenge: Name it. Own it. No judgement.
Ask a New Question: “What can I learn from this?” or “How can I grow through this?”
Spot Opportunities: Look for small wins or silver linings.
Focus on Action: Break big problems into small steps. Keep moving.
Reflect on Past Success: You’ve overcome before. Use that evidence.

Resilience in Action: Learn and Grow

Adapting isn’t just about adjusting; it’s about learning and growing through change. At ACSIS Life Coaching, we believe in honouring the lessons of the past while building a stronger future (Resilience Agenda).

“The lessons I learned during COVID—about focusing on what I could control, adapting my routines, and supporting those around me—are lessons I carry forward into every challenge. They remind me that adaptability isn’t a skill we use just in a crisis. It’s something we need every day, in all parts of our lives.”