The book Big Trust by Dr. Shadé Zahrai introduces the “Four A’s” framework: Acceptance, Agency, Autonomy, and Adaptability. A description of each is below.
- Acceptance: Embracing current realities
- Agency: Recognizing our power to influence
- Autonomy: Cultivating independent thinking
- Adaptability: Developing resilience to navigate change and uncertainty
I heard a summary of the book and look forward to reading and writing a full review.
My Perspective
I have done a lot of writing around the topics of agency and autonomy.
When we believe we have those, opportunities emerge.
What I find interesting with this framework is the addition of acceptance and adaptability.
I like acceptance because it has us considering change in our current situation.
We aren’t waiting for a point in the future.
The “when I…” reasoning.
Instead, we assess our current environment and make shifts, however small they might be.
Then, the addition of adaptability.
In my frameworks, adaptability has been tied to “waypower” in the hope equation.
Hope = Goals + Willpower + Waypower.
The ability to shift our plans to fit as the environment around us shifts.
I’m excited to learn more about her perspectives.
I want to see how the ideas support or adjust my thinking on the topic.
Your Turn
What do you think of Dr. Zahari’s 4A’s framework?
Do you struggle with one of the A’s more than the others?
When you consider others in your life, do you think they struggle with these?