FAQ

A: Traditional approaches to change often rely on linear, predictable transition paths: 'do this, then this, and then this." But in today's rapidly changing world, change is neither linear nor predictable, making it difficult to plan for and navigate.

Also, many traditional approaches to change assume that change is a one-time event or project, rather than a continuous process.

In contrast, Agilism emphasises the importance of developing antifragility, rapid experimentation and prototyping, balancing risk by taking a portfolio approach to life, and responding swiftly to change.

A: Not at all.

Agilism is built on principles, not rigid rules. You can begin with a single idea, one small habit, or one fundamental mindset shift.

From there, you layer additional concepts as they become relevant to your circumstances.

A: No!

Agilism didn't come from theory – it grew out of lived experience.

While it borrows a few ideas from behavioral science and systems thinking, its lessons come from the real world – the kinds of everyday examples we're all familiar with.

It's a simple framework built on how people already adapt when life refuses to stay still.

A: Never.

Agilism transcends age because life is nonlinear. Life no longer expects you to be doing certain things at a certain age.

Agilism is about staying in motion, whatever your age. It's about remaining curious, responsive, and alive to possibility, regardless of where you stand on life's timeline.

A: Most systems still operate on the assumption of stability - or a return to stability.

Agilism begins with a different premise: that flux is constant.

Rather than treating change as disruption, it shows you how to work with uncertainty as the underlying system itself.
(Later link: /manifesto/change-3-0)

A: Well, you could – if the world stayed predictable.

Traditional models of change only work when outcomes are predictable and stable. But that's not the real world anymore.

Agilism gives you just enough of a framework to stay grounded – with enough built-in flexibility to change course when things around you begin to shift.

Remember, Agilism is about staying in motion.

A: That's precisely why Agilism exists.

Most of us learned to plan for predictability, not to navigate uncertainty. We were taught to build rigid structures, not adaptive ones. Agilism offers a different path—one that doesn't require you to be naturally "good at change."

Instead, it's about cultivating small habits and mindsets that build your adaptability over time. Think of it as learning to balance on shifting ground rather than exhausting yourself trying to make the ground stop moving.

The more you resist change, the more turbulent it feels. But when you stop fighting the current and start moving with it, something shifts. Change becomes less about survival and more about momentum—a force you can work with rather than against.

A: That's great—success means you've learned to play the game well.

But every game eventually changes.

Agilism helps you evolve your thinking when the rules shift, so you don't find yourself playing yesterday's strategy in tomorrow's world.

What got you here won't necessarily get you there. How you adapt will.

Agilism can be applied to any area of your life wherever uncertainty or change surfaces: career pivots, business expansion, financial decisions, relationships, creative endeavors, personal reinvention.

The 21 Principles serve as mental guardrails, providing language and structure precisely where chaos typically dominates.

A: Partly, yes. Since life is increasingly nonlinear, you could consider your life as a 'portfolio' of experiences rather than the traditional linear, sequential 3-stage journey through life. Likewise, Agilism is about encouraging you to think like an investor or publisher, whereby you build a portfolio of revenues to spread your 'bets.'

On the other hand, building a portfolio is only part of Agilism, and many other components are central—such as decision-making, removing components that don't work for you, rearranging (rather than reinventing) your life, rapid experimentation and prototyping, and the ability to move on quickly from setbacks.

Undoubtedly, diversifying your revenue streams is a key aspect of Agilism. However, it's not the sole focus. Agilism is a comprehensive framework that prepares you for change and uncertainty, ensuring you're not solely reliant on one source of income.

A: Traditional life design pursued a singular vision of success—one career trajectory, one predetermined path, one immutable plan. Agilism transforms this approach entirely, reframing growth as a continuous design process rather than a destination to reach.

This philosophy helps you craft a life with inherent flexibility, one that evolves organically rather than requiring complete reconstruction each time circumstances shift. True long-term growth emerges not from rigid adherence to original plans, but from developing the capacity to grow through change rather than despite it.

The difference is profound: instead of viewing disruption as deviation from your path, you learn to see it as part of the journey itself

A: Not quite.
Systems thinking helps explain complexity — often through abstract models and feedback loops.

Agilism goes one step further: it makes uncertainty simple.

Where systems thinking observes the system, Agilism helps you live inside it.

It’s a practical, personal framework for navigating change, designing flexibility, and building sustainable momentum in real life.

No jargon. No whiteboards. Just real tools for nonlinear living.

A: Agilism shares roots with both. It draws on behavioral science to understand how we actually make decisions and adapt under pressure, while echoing psychology in how it helps us reframe, unlearn, and build resilience.

However, Agilism is not a clinical discipline. Think of it as a translation layer—a bridge between these sciences and the realities of everyday life.

Where psychology studies human behavior, Agilism provides practical tools for adaptability. It teaches you how to think probabilistically, adjust your course with more momentum, and maintain your balance through uncertainty.

In short, psychology helps explain why we react to change; Agilism helps us work with it.