flexibility is key to success.
Mental flexibility is he ability to dynamically change one’s course of thought or action, based on the requirements of a situation. It involves being able to abandon a previous pattern of resonses in favor of an alternate response that better suits the current circumstances.
How to be more flexible:
Get some exercise: Research shows that being more physically active can help make your brain more active as well, boosting cognitive function and mental flexibility.
Consider alternate options: If you’re prone to inflexible thinking, you may only be comfortable with a certain way of doing things. However, it’s important to remember that there are many solutions to any given situation and more than one way of doing things. Consider different options and weigh the pros and cons of each one before making a decision.
Start making small changes: You can practice being flexible by making small changes to your daily routine. For instance, if you generally watch television before you go to bed, try reading a book instead. Or, if you normally take the bus to work, try cycling instead. Doing things differently can help you practice the skill of adapting.
Try new experiences: Make it a point to regularly try out new experiences. For instance, you can try out a new restaurant or cuisine at least once a month. Or, you could try a new activity such as learning an instrument, playing a sport, volunteering, taking a cooking class, going hiking, or doing any other activity that appeals to you.
Meet new people: Meeting new people of diverse backgrounds can expose you to different perspectives. Seeing things through someone else’s eyes can help you understand that there is more than one way of doing things.
Look for opportunities: You may find yourself looking for excuses to avoid pursuing routes that are beyond your comfort zone. However, if you would like to be more flexible, try to look for opportunities instead of focusing on obstacles, mistakes, or failures.
Don’t be afraid to change your stance: Take the time to gather information before choosing your best option. Don’t be afraid to change your stance as you take in new information. There is no shame in changing your opinion as you become better informed.
Challenge your beliefs: If you have a certain way of doing things, it can be helpful to introspect on it and ask yourself why you’re insistent on doing things that way. Use your critical thinking skills to determine whether that’s actually the best way.
Maintain a positive attitude: While going out of your comfort zone can be difficult, it can be helpful to maintain a positive attitude as you work on creating new thought patterns. You can try engaging in positive self-talk to get yourself through challenging tasks.
Be more perceptive: Try to be more perceptive of others’ thoughts and feelings. Most flexible thinkers are highly emotionally intelligent. Being able to gauge others’ feelings will help you be more empathetic and considerate.