Being Flexible in Your Actions, Behaviours & Thoughts
The ability to be flexible means adjusting to new situations. Athletes, Yoga instructors, and gymnasts all have to be flexible in order to succeed in their craft. Although flexibility is often related to physical activities, it can also be attributed to personality traits. The ability to be flexible with your thoughts and behaviors is vital to reaching all areas of success and self-improvement. In addition, you will improve your ability to relate to others.
However, it takes practice to adjust your mind towards new endeavors. Especially when they involve leaving your comfort zone. Although scary and perhaps even inconvenient, flexibility is an excellent source of character building. It emphasizes dependability and widens your perspective. In turn, you will hopefully feel the utter joy of being totally balanced.
Flexibility Opens Your Mind
New ideas and concepts are essential elements of growth. For example, if a tomato plant is never given fertilizer, likely it won’t blossom towards its potential. But, if it is given as an assortment of different nutrients, a surplus of fruitage is produced. The same is true with our mind. If we are constantly ignoring new concepts or perspectives it is easy to become complacent.
We may discredit others opinions while placing emphasis on our own. This could cause conflict and others may even view us as a rigid. When you are presented with new thoughts, don’t immediately take offense. Instead, consider what they are saying in order to broaden your perspective. This will help you to connect adequately with others and create long-lasting relationships. Individuals will view you as trustworthy and easy to talk to. This will make your personal and professional life run smoothly.
Flexibility Builds Character
Great employees understand the value of flexibility. It makes you an indispensable part of your team; a value that is far deeper than education or whit. When you are able to be flexible with your availability, you, in turn, are reliable. This makes you a helpful employee. This even applies to take on different roles that may not be in your job description.
Being flexible with your actions creates a sense of ease. Because you are open to new experiences, you aren’t overly stressed when situations don’t go your way. You are able to go with the flow and still enjoy every moment.
How to Practice Being Flexible
There are many ways to practice flexibility in your life. Some, you can even implement immediately. Test out these tips and tricks to improve your ability to be flexible:
1. Volunteer to help a co-worker in need
2. Research new activities to engage in that are outside of your comfort zone
3. Have a conversation with someone different from you
When Flexibility is Burdensome
Although it is beneficial to be flexible in your actions and thinking, there are specific situations where your opinions or actions shouldn’t bend. One of the primary instances involves your personal integrity. If someone is asking you to compromise your core values, the ability to flexible isn’t worth the pain.
In addition, if someone is asking you to do something against your comfort level, being flexible isn’t an option. It is always better to perform activities that you are okay with as opposed to focusing on pleasing someone else.
Being reasonably flexible with your thoughts and actions makes you a well-rounded and open individual. You are able to relate to others and avoid unnecessary anxiety. Much like practicing yoga, the ability to be flexible takes time. Therefore, start with small changes daily to help build this quality. Soon, you will see the benefits of making this important transition.
