I’ve been noticing how often people cling to rigid thinking, even when the world around us is anything but rigid. We’re constantly told to be flexible, adaptable, open to change yet old mindsets linger. The Art of Change by Jeff and Staney DeGraff really put into words something I’ve been quietly wrestling with. It not only explained the issue clearly, but also shared practical ways to handle change.

Jeff and Staney DeGraff introduce the idea of a paradoxical mindset, means the ability to hold and work with opposing ideas, like structure and freedom, or confidence and humility. They argue that this mindset is the key to personal growth, creative thinking, and leading real transformation in both work and life.

The book is built around seven core principles, each backed by real-world stories drawn from decades of the authors’ experience across various industries. The authors make these ideas actionable by walking the readers through the steps of building a more adaptive mindset and point out the subtle habits that often block us from real change.

One chapter, “We set goals for change, but the goals change with the change,” really intrigued me. It reminded me of Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned, both highlight how important it is to stay flexible, because change doesn’t follow a straight line.

Jeff and Staney DeGraff also dig into how cultural norms can make it harder to speak up, take risks, or even recognize the need for change. That is a great reminder that many of us were never taught how to challenge outdated thinking, let alone adapt with intention.

Another highlight of the book was the part on developing a wide range of skillset. It made me think of Range by David Epstein, another book that changed how I see learning and growth. In a fast-changing world, specializing too narrowly can hold us back. The Art of Change encourages us to balance deep expertise with broad adaptability.

The Art of Change is a great read for anyone trying to navigate change more intentionally. Whether you’re leading a team, reinventing your career, or simply trying to rethink your own habits, there’s plenty here to reflect on and act on.

Summary

Change isn’t a one-time event. It’s a constant, lifelong process. Learning how to live with it, and even grow through it, requires a special way of thinking: a paradox mindset. It means holding seemingly opposing ideas at the same time and using that tension to fuel transformation.

Here are seven core principles behind this mindset:

• An Abundance of Ideas
  • Rather than fixating on a single solution, you generate many. This kind of thinking helps you move through complex challenges and contradictions. Brainstorming becomes a habit, not a one-off, and innovation becomes second nature.
• Flexibility in Thinking
  • Being able to pivot your strategies and stay open to new information is crucial. This mental agility, known as cognitive flexibility, helps you navigate uncertainty and make sense of conflicting perspectives.
• A Willingness to Take Risks
  • Progress doesn’t come from playing it safe. Embracing change means being bold, trying new things, and building a culture where resilience and experimentation are encouraged.
• Curiosity
  • When you’re curious, you don’t just accept things as they are. You ask questions, explore the unfamiliar, and stay open to discovery. This mindset keeps you alert and adaptable.
• Perseverance
  • Change can be tough. Sticking with it, even when it’s uncomfortable, builds your ability to adapt over time. It’s about showing up and staying the course.
• Openness to Experience
  • This is the doorway to innovation. By welcoming new experiences, especially the ones that challenge your current thinking, you become more capable of dealing with life’s contradictions and complexities.
• Self-Confidence
  • Believing in yourself gives you the courage to face uncertainty head-on. It’s what empowers you to approach change with creativity, optimism, and resilience.

---

Thanks to Berrett-Koehler Publishers for sending me a review copy of The Art of Change.

---

Author: Jeff Degraff and Staney Degraff

Publication date: 15 April 2025

Number of pages: 192 pages

---