Getting More Flexible
I’ve been working on my flexibility—both physical and mental. For my mind, I’ve found that the more I accept there are an infinite number of outcomes for any given effort, the less I stress over the results.
When I put in work on a project or in life, I naturally want the outcome to be in my favor—something that rewards my effort and pushes me forward. But life doesn’t work that way. Life is an experiment, and like any experiment, results can surprise you. Scientists allow for their outcomes to differ from predictions so they can be precise in their findings. I try to take the same approach in my life.
Here’s how I practice mental flexibility in my work:
- Focus on the time spent, not the result: I can’t control how quickly things fall into place, but I can control where I place my energy and attention.
- Remember that results vary: I remind myself that results aren’t always predictable, so I stay focused on the task at hand and avoid getting lost in worrying about what’s ahead.
- Push past discomfort: Whether it’s trying out new technology, asking for help, or stepping away to refresh my mind, I’m learning to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Project can be exciting or overwhelming, but as doubt creeps in, staying flexible in my mindset keeps me from giving up too soon. It’s a practice in learning to move with the flow of life, not against it.
PS: As for my physical flexibility—all praise yoga!
ACTION: Take a moment to assess where you’re rigid in your current project or life plan. Identify one area where you can adapt, shift expectations, or approach the challenge from a new angle. Flexibility isn’t about changing the goal—it’s about adjusting how you get there.
