Flux

In today's rapidly changing world, many of us find ourselves struggling to keep up. The old scripts we've been following for how to live our lives, build our careers, and find success are becoming increasingly outdated and ineffective. In her book "Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change," April Rinne offers a new approach for navigating our uncertain times.

Rinne introduces the concept of a "flux mindset" - a way of thinking that allows us to see change as an opportunity rather than a threat. She outlines eight "Flux Superpowers" that we can develop to help us thrive amidst constant change and write new scripts for our lives. These superpowers enable us to slow down, broaden our perspectives, get comfortable with uncertainty, build trust, define our own metrics for success, craft flexible careers, maintain our humanity in a digital world, and let go of rigid expectations about the future.

By cultivating these superpowers, Rinne argues that we can become more adaptable, resilient, and fulfilled in a world that's in constant flux. Her insights offer a hopeful and practical guide for not just surviving but thriving in these unpredictable times.

Introduction: A World in Flux

We're living in an era of unprecedented change and uncertainty. Technological advances, economic shifts, social movements, climate change, and global events like the COVID-19 pandemic have upended many of our assumptions about how the world works and our place in it. The stable career paths, clear milestones of success, and predictable life trajectories that previous generations could rely on are increasingly rare.

Many of us feel anxious and overwhelmed trying to keep up with the pace of change. We cling to outdated scripts about how our lives and careers should unfold, even as the world around us renders those scripts obsolete. We exhaust ourselves running faster and faster on a hamster wheel that's not taking us where we want to go.

Rinne argues that our old approaches for navigating life are no longer serving us well in this new landscape of constant change. Instead of resisting flux, we need to learn how to work with it. We need new mental models and practical skills for thriving amidst uncertainty.

This is where developing a flux mindset comes in. A flux mindset allows us to see change as natural and full of possibility rather than as a threat or source of anxiety. It gives us the adaptability and resilience to navigate an unpredictable world with confidence and even excitement.

The eight Flux Superpowers that Rinne outlines in the book are designed to help us cultivate this mindset and put it into practice in our daily lives. By mastering these superpowers, we can learn to write new scripts - ones that equip us to flourish no matter what changes come our way.

Superpower #1: Run Slower

In our fast-paced world, many of us believe that the key to success is to run as fast as we can to keep up. We try to squeeze as much as possible into every minute, constantly chasing the next goal or achievement. But Rinne argues that this approach is ultimately counterproductive in a world of flux.

The problem is that when everything is constantly changing, there's no clear finish line to race towards. We exhaust ourselves running at top speed without ever feeling like we've arrived. This leaves us stressed, burnt out, and unable to adapt when inevitable changes throw us off course.

Instead, Rinne advocates for the counterintuitive approach of running slower. This doesn't mean becoming lazy or unproductive. Rather, it's about being more intentional with our time and energy. When we slow down, we can focus on what truly matters to us instead of just reacting to whatever seems most urgent in the moment.

Running slower allows us to:

• Make wiser decisions by giving ourselves time to reflect
• Reduce stress and improve our physical and mental health
• Be more present and mindful in our daily lives
• Discover our authentic values and priorities
• Respond more flexibly to change instead of being thrown off balance

Rinne shares her own experience of choosing to slow down after losing both her parents in a car accident during her final year at Oxford. Instead of immediately jumping into a high-powered career as she'd planned, she took a job as a hiking and biking tour guide in Italy. This allowed her to process her grief, reflect on what she truly wanted, and ultimately set her on a more fulfilling life path.

We don't need to make such a dramatic change to benefit from running slower. Simple practices like taking five minutes of silence each day to check in with ourselves can help us cultivate this superpower. The key is to regularly create space in our lives to pause, reflect, and realign with our values and priorities.

By running slower, we paradoxically become more productive and successful in the long run. We conserve our energy, make better choices, and develop the inner stability to thrive amidst external change.

Superpower #2: See What's Invisible

Our perceptions of the world are heavily shaped by our social and cultural conditioning. We tend to see what we expect to see based on our past experiences and beliefs. This can leave us blind to important realities and opportunities, especially when facing unfamiliar changes.

Developing the ability to see what's invisible means expanding our awareness beyond our default perspectives. It involves actively seeking out different viewpoints and considering aspects of situations that we might normally overlook.

One key aspect of seeing the invisible is becoming more aware of our own privilege - the unearned advantages we may have due to factors like our race, gender, socioeconomic background, or physical abilities. When we're blind to our privilege, we're less likely to understand the experiences of those without it. We're also more likely to feel lost when that privilege is challenged by change.

Rinne gives the example of Harvard Business School professor Laura Huang reassessing the school's first-year curriculum and realizing it was dominated by white male authors. By expanding the reading list to include more diverse voices, Huang helped create a more inclusive and accurate representation of the business world for students.

Seeing the invisible also involves reconnecting with our deeper intentions and values. In our hyper-focused world, it's easy to lose sight of why we're doing what we're doing. We may focus on short-term metrics like sales numbers or social media engagement without considering whether those align with our true goals and values.

Some ways to cultivate this superpower include:

• Actively seeking out perspectives from people with different backgrounds and life experiences
• Questioning our assumptions and looking for what we might be missing in situations
• Reflecting on our deeper motivations and intentions behind our actions
• Considering the invisible systems and structures that shape our world

By learning to see what's invisible, we expand our understanding of the world and open ourselves up to new possibilities. This allows us to navigate change more skillfully and find innovative solutions to challenges.

Superpower #3: Get Lost

Many of us, especially in Western cultures, have a deep aversion to feeling lost or uncertain. We cling to our maps and plans, trying to maintain a sense of control. But in a world of constant change, getting lost is inevitable. Rather than fearing it, Rinne argues that we need to embrace getting lost as an opportunity for growth and discovery.

She introduces the delightful word "coddiwomple," which means to travel purposefully toward an unknown destination. This captures the essence of getting lost with intention - being open to wherever the journey might take us while maintaining a sense of purpose and curiosity.

Getting lost allows us to:

• Break out of our routines and habitual ways of thinking
• Discover new perspectives and possibilities we wouldn't have encountered otherwise
• Develop greater adaptability and resilience
• Connect with our intuition and inner wisdom
• Find unexpected solutions to problems

Rinne shares her experience of literally getting lost while traveling in Romania, which led to a memorable encounter with a local family and new cultural insights she wouldn't have gained otherwise. But we don't need to travel to far-off places to benefit from getting lost. We can practice this superpower in our everyday lives and work.

Some ways to cultivate the ability to get lost include:

• Exploring your neighborhood without using GPS, allowing yourself to wander and discover new things
• Trying a new hobby or skill that takes you out of your comfort zone
• Engaging in unstructured brainstorming or creative activities without a specific goal in mind
• Embracing unexpected changes to your plans as opportunities for adventure

When facing major life changes or uncertainties, it's natural to feel lost. But by reframing these experiences as opportunities for growth and discovery, we can navigate them with more ease and even excitement. Getting lost intentionally builds our capacity to handle the inevitable moments when life throws us off course.

Superpower #4: Start with Trust

Trust is essential for human connection, innovation, and progress. Yet in recent years, there's been a growing crisis of trust in many institutions and systems. This erosion of trust can lead to defensiveness, reduced cooperation, and missed opportunities for positive change.

Rinne argues that to thrive in a world of flux, we need to flip the script on trust. Instead of defaulting to suspicion or requiring others to earn our trust, we should start from a place of trust and openness.

This doesn't mean being naive or ignoring real risks. Rather, it's about recognizing that most people are fundamentally good and trustworthy. By approaching situations and relationships with this mindset, we create space for greater collaboration, creativity, and mutual support.

Some benefits of leading with trust include:

• Fostering stronger relationships and social connections
• Encouraging innovation and creative problem-solving
• Creating more efficient and enjoyable work environments
• Building resilient communities that can adapt to change

Rinne gives examples of organizations built on trust, like the ride-sharing platform BlaBlaCar and the collaborative online encyclopedia Wikipedia. These demonstrate how trust-based systems can lead to innovative solutions and widespread benefits.

To cultivate this superpower in your own life and work, consider:

• Examining your default assumptions about others' trustworthiness
• Looking for opportunities to extend trust first in your relationships and collaborations
• Creating systems and policies based on trust rather than suspicion
• Being willing to delegate and empower others
• Practicing transparency in your communication and decision-making

Of course, trust should be coupled with good judgment. The goal is to find a balance where trust is the starting point, but we remain aware and responsive to how others actually behave.

By starting with trust, we create an environment where people feel valued and empowered. This leads to stronger relationships, more innovative solutions, and greater resilience in the face of change.

Superpower #5: Know Your "Enough"

In our consumer-driven society, we're constantly bombarded with messages that we need more - more money, more success, more possessions, more followers. This creates a never-ending cycle of striving and dissatisfaction. Even when we achieve our goals, the goalposts quickly shift and we find ourselves wanting even more.

Rinne argues that to thrive in a world of flux, we need to develop a clear sense of what "enough" means for us personally. This involves shifting our metrics for success away from external achievements and acquisitions, and towards internal satisfaction, meaningful relationships, and positive impact on others.

Knowing your "enough" doesn't mean settling for less or lacking ambition. Rather, it's about:

• Defining success on your own terms rather than society's expectations
• Focusing on contentment rather than fleeting happiness
• Creating space in your life for what truly matters to you
• Developing greater resilience to external changes and setbacks
• Contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world

Some ways to cultivate this superpower include:

• Regularly reflecting on what brings you genuine satisfaction and fulfillment
• Practicing gratitude for what you already have
• Experimenting with simplifying different areas of your life
• Setting personal "enough" thresholds for things like income, possessions, or work hours
• Considering the wider impact of your choices on others and the planet

Rinne also emphasizes that "enough" isn't just an individual consideration - it's something we need to grapple with as a society. She gives the example of Sweden's approach to automation, where the government has committed to supporting workers whose jobs are displaced by technology. This demonstrates a societal commitment to ensuring "enough" for all citizens in the face of major economic changes.

By knowing our "enough," we free ourselves from the exhausting pursuit of more for its own sake. We become more adaptable to change because our sense of security and satisfaction isn't tied to specific external circumstances. And we contribute to creating a world where there can be "enough" for everyone.

Superpower #6: Create Your Portfolio Career

The traditional model of a linear career path - education, followed by climbing the ladder in a single profession until retirement - is becoming increasingly rare and often impractical in our rapidly changing world. Instead, Rinne advocates for developing a "portfolio career" - a flexible, diverse approach to work that allows us to adapt to change and leverage our full range of skills and interests.

A portfolio career might involve:

• Sequencing different careers over time, like spending a decade each in marketing, entertainment, and consulting before opening a yoga studio
• Simultaneously engaging in multiple professional activities, like combining strategy consulting, writing, and teaching
• Crafting a unique role that combines your specific set of skills and passions

The benefits of a portfolio career include:

• Greater security through diverse income streams
• More opportunities for growth and learning
• The ability to evolve your professional identity over time
• Increased resilience to industry changes or job loss
• More fulfillment by engaging different aspects of yourself

To start developing your portfolio career:

1. Identify your full range of skills, expertise, and strengths
2. Consider how these could be applied in different contexts or combined in unique ways
3. Look for opportunities to gain experience in new areas, even if it's through volunteer work or side projects
4. Build a strong professional network across different industries
5. Be open to unconventional opportunities that align with your skills and interests

Rinne emphasizes that a portfolio career isn't about constant job-hopping or lack of commitment. It's about taking ownership of your professional development and crafting a career that's adaptable to change while remaining true to your core strengths and values.

This approach to work can be particularly valuable in a world of flux, where entire industries can be disrupted overnight. By diversifying your skills and income streams, you become more resilient to external changes. You also position yourself to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.

Superpower #7: Be More Human

As technology becomes an increasingly dominant part of our lives, there's a risk of losing touch with our essential humanity. We spend more time interacting with screens than with each other, leading to what some call a "heads-down society." While technology offers many benefits, over-reliance on it can lead to disconnection, depression, and a loss of important human skills.

Rinne argues that to thrive in our tech-saturated world, we need to consciously cultivate and prioritize our humanity. This involves developing our "digital intelligence" - the ability to use technology responsibly and know when to step away from it.

Some key aspects of being more human in a digital world include:

• Recognizing when face-to-face interaction is more valuable than digital communication
• Managing our screen time and creating tech-free spaces in our lives
• Developing strong in-person social connections and support networks
• Cultivating empathy, emotional intelligence, and deep listening skills
• Engaging in activities that connect us with our bodies and the physical world

Rinne gives the example of navigating grief in the online world to illustrate the importance of balancing digital connection with genuine human support. While social media can provide a platform for sharing grief and receiving support, it can also create pressure and expectations that complicate the grieving process. Using our digital intelligence, we can learn to show up for others in more meaningful ways than just sending a quick message of condolence.

To cultivate this superpower:

• Practice regular digital detoxes or screen-free time periods
• Prioritize in-person interactions and deep conversations
• Engage in activities that challenge your physical and emotional capabilities
• Reflect on how technology is impacting your relationships and well-being
• Look for opportunities to bring more human touch to your digital interactions

By consciously nurturing our humanity, we can harness the benefits of technology while maintaining the human connections and skills that are essential for our well-being and success. This balance is crucial for navigating the complex, technology-driven world we live in while remaining grounded in our values and relationships.

Superpower #8: Let Go of the Future

Many of us spend a great deal of time and energy trying to predict and control the future. We make detailed plans, set rigid goals, and become anxious when things don't unfold as we expect. But in a world of constant change, this approach often leads to frustration and disappointment.

Rinne argues that true adaptability comes from learning to let go of our attachment to specific future outcomes. This doesn't mean giving up on having dreams or aspirations. Rather, it's about holding those visions lightly and remaining open to how they might unfold in unexpected ways.

Letting go of the future involves three key shifts:

1. From predicting to preparing: Instead of trying to forecast exactly what will happen, focus on developing the skills and resilience to handle a range of possible scenarios.

2. From expecting things to go as planned to anticipating change: Recognize that change is inevitable and learn to see it as an opportunity rather than a setback.

3. From focusing on the known to embracing the unknown: Be open to possibilities you haven't even imagined yet, rather than limiting yourself to familiar paths.

Rinne shares her experience of writing down different possible futures for herself after losing her parents. By imagining how she could find joy and peace in various scenarios - from starting a business to living in a faraway place - she opened herself up to a wider range of possibilities.

Some ways to practice letting go of the future include:

• Regularly reflecting on how your plans and expectations have changed over time
• Practicing mindfulness to stay grounded in the present moment
• Cultivating curiosity about the unknown rather than fearing it
• Developing contingency plans that allow for flexibility
• Celebrating when things turn out differently (and better) than you expected

By letting go of rigid expectations about the future, we become more adaptable and resilient. We're better able to seize unexpected opportunities and navigate challenges as they arise. This superpower allows us to maintain hope and excitement about the future without becoming overly attached to specific outcomes.

Putting It All Together: Living with a Flux Mindset

As we've explored the eight Flux Superpowers, it's clear that they're all interconnected. Running slower helps us see what's invisible. Getting lost allows us to discover new ways of knowing our "enough." Starting with trust enables us to let go of the future more easily. Each superpower reinforces and enhances the others.

Developing these superpowers isn't about achieving perfection or completely transforming yourself overnight. It's an ongoing process of gradually shifting your mindset and habits to become more adaptable and resilient in the face of change.

Here are some key principles for integrating the Flux Superpowers into your life:

1. Start small: Choose one superpower that resonates with you and begin experimenting with it in low-stakes situations.

2. Practice regularly: Like any skill, these superpowers develop through consistent practice. Look for daily opportunities to apply them.

3. Embrace imperfection: You'll have setbacks and moments of reverting to old patterns. That's normal and part of the learning process.

4. Reflect and adjust: Regularly check in with yourself about how cultivating these superpowers is impacting your life. Be willing to adjust your approach as needed.

5. Connect with others: Share your experiences and insights with friends, family, or colleagues. Consider forming a "flux mindset" group to support each other in developing these skills.

6. Be patient: Shifting deeply ingrained patterns of thinking and behaving takes time. Trust the process and celebrate small wins along the way.

7. Stay curious: Approach change and uncertainty with an attitude of curiosity rather than fear. Ask yourself what you can learn from each new situation.

8. Remember your why: Keep in mind the deeper reasons why you want to develop these superpowers. Connect them to your values and long-term vision for your life.

As you integrate these superpowers into your life, you may find that:

• You feel more grounded and centered even when facing major changes
• You're able to see opportunities where you once saw only obstacles
• Your relationships become deeper and more authentic
• You experience greater fulfillment and purpose in your work
• You're better able to navigate uncertainty without becoming overwhelmed
• You feel more aligned with your values and true self

Ultimately, living with a flux mindset is about embracing the dynamic nature of life rather than resisting it. It's about finding stability within yourself rather than expecting it from the outside world. By cultivating these superpowers, you become more capable of not just surviving but truly thriving in our ever-changing world.

Conclusion: Embracing a World in Flux

As we've explored throughout this summary, the world is in a state of constant flux. The pace of change is accelerating, and many of the old scripts we've relied on for navigating life are becoming obsolete. This can feel overwhelming and disorienting at times.

But by developing a flux mindset and cultivating the eight Flux Superpowers, we can learn to see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth, innovation, and deeper fulfillment. We can write new scripts that are more flexible, resilient, and aligned with our true values and aspirations.

To recap, the eight Flux Superpowers are:

1. Run Slower
2. See What's Invisible
3. Get Lost
4. Start with Trust
5. Know Your "Enough"
6. Create Your Portfolio Career
7. Be More Human
8. Let Go of the Future

Each of these superpowers offers a unique way of reframing our relationship with change and uncertainty. Together, they provide a comprehensive toolkit for thriving in a world of constant flux.

As you move forward, remember that developing these superpowers is an ongoing journey, not a destination. There will be moments of progress and moments of setback. The key is to approach the process with patience, self-compassion, and a spirit of curiosity.

By embracing flux, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We become more adaptable, more innovative, and more deeply connected to ourselves and others. We learn to dance with uncertainty rather than being paralyzed by it.

In closing, consider this: What would your life look like if you fully embraced these Flux Superpowers? How might your relationships, your work, and your sense of purpose shift? What new opportunities might emerge that you can't even imagine right now?

The future may be uncertain, but by cultivating a flux mindset, you can approach it with confidence, creativity, and excitement. You have the power to write a new script for your life - one that allows you to thrive no matter what changes come your way.