Ability vs Agility

What does the next generation need to grow and thrive in today's rapidly changing world? These are the questions I think about daily because they are shaping both our children and the direction of society as a whole. How we act, what we believe, and most importantly, how we flourish in our lives, all depend on how we adapt to these changes. 

Coming from a background in Self-Directed Learning and a keen interest in self development and self awareness, I believe that cultivating agility is just as important—if not more so—than focusing on ability, especially as children develop.

Let me take a moment to explain.

Of course, ability is necessary. We need certain skills to start a task or complete a project. But is that where our primary focus should be? Are we simply filling children with information and guiding them to check off an arbitrary list of skills in preparation for an uncertain future?

We live in a world where change happens at lightning speed. You learn one app or program, and minutes later, it seems, new features or updates appear. The tools and technologies we use are constantly upgrading, often before we've fully grasped them.

Yet, when I observe children in traditional school environments, I see structures that resist this natural flow of change. Rules and systems in place for years remain unquestioned, even as the world around them evolves.

This makes me wonder: How do we teach agility? How do we help children embrace change instead of resisting or fearing it?

The concept of agile learning, originally from software development, offers insight. Software developers—and video game creators, for those of you with teens—are masters at agility. They are quick to adjust, rapidly responding to user feedback and improving based on their audience's needs. If they fail to adapt, their users move on.

As an entrepreneur, I've learned similar lessons. I ran a fashion accessories brand for 16 years, and one of the biggest takeaways was the need to adjust quickly to changing customer demands. In fashion, if you follow a slow, rigid process, you lose the market. Agility became essential to our success.

Now, let’s apply this to how we educate children.

Agile learning emphasizes speed, flexibility, and collaboration. It aligns closely with my SEARCH framework, which adds an essential focus on self-awareness. In my model, we return to the concept of self—constantly checking in on who we are and how we function in a world of rapid change. The core of the SEARCH process is a feedback loop of experimentation, action, reflection, and clarification, which fosters quick learning and adaptability.

Here’s an example: I’m working with a student interested in biology. She created a two-month syllabus using AI prompts. A couple of weeks into her studies, she identified specific areas of deeper interest and adjusted her syllabus to reflect this. This ongoing, evolving approach not only sharpens her focus but also allows for a curriculum that grows with her. In the end, her learning journey will be uniquely hers—a perfect example of agile learning in action.

As Wilbur Smith said, “The branch breaks that will not bend with the wind. You must learn to bend.”

For those looking to foster agility in themselves or their children, here are three key steps:

1.  Cultivate a Growth Mindset
   A growth mindset encourages openness to change, feedback, and challenges. It views learning as an evolving, ongoing process.
   Action: Seek out challenges, embrace mistakes as growth opportunities, and focus on progress rather than perfection.
2.  Practice Iterative Learning
   Break learning into smaller tasks, reflect on progress, and make adjustments along the way. This iterative approach promotes continuous improvement and adaptation to new information.
   Action: Set short-term goals, regularly review your progress, and adjust your strategy as needed.
3.  Embrace Feedback and Flexibility
   Actively seek feedback from peers or mentors, and use it to refine your skills. Stay flexible and ready to pivot when circumstances change.
   Action: After each project, assess what worked and what didn’t, and make adjustments based on this input.

By adopting a growth mindset, practicing iterative learning, and embracing flexibility, you’ll develop the agility needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

In conclusion, agility is not just a skill—it’s a mindset critical for both children and adults. As we navigate an evolving world, the ability to adapt, learn, and grow is essential for flourishing. Through agile learning, we foster resilience, curiosity, and continuous improvement in ourselves and in the next generation. Let’s all learn to bend with the winds of change, embracing agility to not just survive, but thrive in an unpredictable future.