By Ovigho Richard Okojevoh-Cieh
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I spent some time exploring ancient history, by mostly watching YouTube videos about the rise and fall of ancient empires. It became clear to me that one of the main reasons these civilizations struggled was their resistance to change. When change came, it often hit them hard.
After reading Good to Great and The Origin of Species, I realized that one of the most important traits for survival is the ability to adapt. Looking back at some of my business experiences, I recognize now that having a fixed mindset held me back. I missed opportunities because I wasn’t open to new ideas. Later, with a more open mindset, I understood what I should have done—but by then, it was too late.
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I’ve come to understand that being open to change is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress and thrive. Change is constant, and resisting it only increases anxiety.
I remember when I first came across Agile methodology—I was deeply impressed by its philosophy. It resonated with me, just like when I first read about Emotional Intelligence over a decade ago. Since then, I’ve worked to make both a part of my life, and they’ve helped me tremendously.
Agile isn’t just a methodology; it’s a mindset. At its core are collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement. An agile mindset promotes transparency, empowers teams, and fosters a culture of learning and experimentation. This approach isn’t just useful in business—it’s also a powerful way to approach life and mental well-being.
Here are ways you can apply an agile mindset to your health and personal growth: One, you need to set SMART goals – start with Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. This brings clarity and focus, allowing you to make consistent progress toward your wellness targets. Two, iterate and adjust. Like in Agile, regularly review and adapt your health goals. Monitor what works and what doesn’t, then make necessary changes to stay aligned with your objectives. Three, embrace flexibility. Be open to trying new things. Whether it’s a new workout routine, a dietary change, or a mental wellness habit, flexibility allows you to respond to life’s unpredictability. Four, prioritize continuous learning. Stay informed. Read, ask questions, attend seminars, and follow credible sources. Health is dynamic, and staying updated empowers you to make better decisions. Five, foster support and collaboration. Surround yourself with a network that encourages growth—friends, family, healthcare professionals, or online communities. Just like Agile teams, collaboration boosts motivation and resilience. Six, practice self-reflection. Agile teams hold regular retrospectives to reflect and improve. Apply this to your life: assess your habits, identify what’s working, and be honest about what needs change. Seven, make small, incremental changes. Big changes can feel overwhelming. Break your goals into small, manageable steps. This makes progress sustainable and improves long-term results.
Adopting an agile mindset helps you focus on human-centred growth—you’re developing skills and strategies for real-life interactions, not for machines. Slow, consistent improvement supports better mental health and long-term success. Change can be challenging, but it’s necessary. The Agile mindset keeps you relevant, adaptable, and resilient in a rapidly changing world. You become more skilled at adjusting strategies, reallocating resources, and supporting others while staying aligned with your goals.
Here are a few practical strategies to stay agile: start each day with a clear vision, then break it into small, actionable tasks. Test and iterate your strategies. Use feedback and data to guide adjustments. Fail fast, learn quickly. Don’t fear failure—use it to adapt and improve. Build supportive communities. Exchange ideas, learn from others, and share your journey. Embrace a growth mindset. View every challenge as a chance to grow.
We live in a constantly evolving society. If you stay rigid, you risk falling behind. By staying agile, you embrace change, fuel innovation, and reduce the anxiety that comes with uncertainty. The Agile mindset helps you thrive, not just survive.
So, buckle up. Stay curious. Embrace learning. Welcome change. With an Agile mindset, you’re better equipped to face life’s ups and downs—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
•Ovigho Richard Okojevoh-Cieh, Executive Secretary of the Society for Health, Safety, and Environmental Education, writes via email.
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