What does this mean to you? What is the first thing you think of when you hear it? Are you thinking of your mind, or your body? Could you be more or less flexible? Are you able to cope with changes in circumstances or unexpected events? Are you adaptable, open-minded, original, versatile, accommodating, cooperative, tolerant, or forgiving? Are you strict? Do you stretch?
Flexibility can be either a personality trait or the range of motion for a given joint. But the same philosophy applies to both if you want to be more flexible.
The first thing I tell anyone is this. “Flexibility starts in the mind” It allows thought. Thought produces answers. Answers are results. Think it! See it! Do your best to achieve it! There is no perfect. Believe it!
When practicing flexibility – if it hurts, Stop! Never compromise your boundaries, The body and the mind need to be told what to do. If you don’t give them anything, you won’t get anything! We have to push new info into both mind and body in order to expand!
To increase the limits and see far beyond the closed doors of mediocrity. Flexibility is growth. Do not limit yourself and take that adventure! How do you practice flexibility?
Comment below…. let’s share and care!
Apart from the physical aspect, the so-called articular or muscular flexibility, I believe that mental flexibility, what is needed in everyday life, is easily measurable by noting how many possibilities we see and give ourselves in front of life events. In how many different ways I can act in a situation. How many reactions I have available to the events. The greater the number of possible answers, the greater my freedom of choice, the more I experience flexibility and the increase.
It is said that free people, with an open mind, are those who in situations, problems, life trials, see and always give at least three possibilities.
When we talk about “work flexibility”, we hope to create a highly diversified labor market in which the worker will never perform the same job and the same job in his own life. And not only: the flexibility of work also refers to the possibility of changing, from time to time, the employer, the occupational activity carried out, the place of work and even the working time. The concept of “flexibility” is strongly inherent and linked to the needs of the employer, to the needs of the company which can thus also choose between different contractual categories.
Hello Aldo,
Thank you so much for your thoughts. Flexibility really is necessary in order to survive in all aspects of life. It doesn’t help not to be and leaves you in a state of stagnation. I appreciate and like your thoughts. Thank you for taking the time to share. Have a wonderful day! Thank you, Paula.
I so appreciate the gentleness and the individual choice and boundaries you offer around your perspectives on flexibility. For me flexibility does equal growth and keeping open and being able to change mid-stream feels empowering and innately just right. It also feels at times that in certain moments that being flexible may be a bit more limited as it just does not feel correct or aligned within depending on the situation. All-in-all flexibility is a gift of life and as you enthusiastically stated – part of the adventure. Thank you for a wonderful read today, dear Paula.
Maurine, thank you so much..yes. Like the star track enterprise introduction…possibilities are endless….
Thank you for this great feedback have a wonderful day!
To you as well!
I use team flexibility a lot. We look for a variety of solutions within the concept of innovation without regards to compliance. In finding flexibility I find that compliance is the fog that hides innovation. Love your Article.
Oh Larry! Love this simple explanation! “Compliance is the fog that hides innovation”
Thank you so much. Have a wonderful day!
Dear Paula, I liked your thought-provoking message and do agree to a very large extent… but there is a small BUT, – especially when taking into consideration the cultural, geographical, traditional and many other related issues that make up the very fabric of society in many third world and developing countries into considerations. In many places’ “flexibility” is absolutely not allowed – it is unthinkable.
I understand that in the western world the traits that are unique to flexibility are, Self-Discipline, Confidence, Resourcefulness, Comfort with Self-Imposed Deadlines and perhaps even Extroversion
I also find that there is a basic ‘understanding issues with the word “flexibility”., and it means or signifies to one person maybe something completing different to what it means to others. Of course, Employers wants us to be flexible to their needs of the business, and employees want their organization to be flexible to their personal needs. Perhaps that is Flexibility. It is about being flexible from an employee and employer perspective. It is also vital to remember this from the outset and know that each party involved need to work together to achieve a win-win.
In my personal experience when working in different societies and countries, I found it very important to think about the potential impact it will have on our team members? Will they be required to pick up more work and how will they feel? We should not allow this to impact our decision, but it’s an important consideration as working flexibly is something that will impact more than just yourself.
It is really important to understand that flexibility means different things to different people and organizations, and each may embrace it differently. For some organizations, they are in the early stages of adoption (which means you can lead by example) and for others, it’s part of their culture and something they actively promote when hiring their work force.
Hi Jonathan,
Thank you for your detailed account of your thoughts here. Flexibility in my opinion here is that which occurs in the mind. It is most prevalent there. Since no one can control the mind but you, it only suggests to me that “flexibility” is not unthinkable… in order to think..if you ever “change” your mind…is that not being flexible? If one is not open minded implies they are not flexible..? From your words I see that you are able to look from different perspectives, and yet you state that flexibility is near unthinkable.. this is confusing to me as it just means to me that the thought process involves the element of flexibility it you state otherwise?
Even in the most oppressive surroundings…or situations, we may be dictated to or made to conform..yet what we think..will always entail some flexibility. The brain computes, the body does.. the thoughts..that’s where flexibility resides.
Thank you for your thoughts here, I am flexible to think of your view and appreciate the thoughts that enhance my flexibility to consider another point of view? Have a wonderful day. I really appreciate your time!
Dear Paula,
I shared some thoughts in a more general meaning of the word and did not confine “flexibility” to ones mind/self.
My statement, “In many places’ “flexibility” is absolutely not allowed – it is unthinkable’, is a general one which also includes family, community, society and even a country. Many communities and people are denied the freedom to even express their opinion and are punished to even suggest an alternate “possibility”. In certain countries, younger people cannot make any suggestion (express flexibility of perhaps better alternatives) that would go against their elders, be it their family or even strangers.
Flexibility is a luxury we enjoy in the ‘civilized world’. I shared a few thoughts that perhaps many are not aware of, and in a gestalt understanding of the word. Conscious experience must be considered globally (by taking into account all the physical and mental and spiritual aspects of the individual simultaneously) because the nature of the mind demands that each component be considered as part of a system of dynamic relationships
I sincerely enjoyed reading your article, (and our dialogue) and therefore wanted to explore the other general side of the coin.
I thank you immensely and sincerely enjoy this too!
Here’s some more thoughts for you…lol
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/paulagoodman1_life-paulag-opism-activity-6588719380174123008-l_Ey
Hi Jonathan Solomon,
I wanted to discuss your belief in the idea that there lies “luxury norms” in certain parts of the world. The issue I have with this statement comes with the fact that what is normal and common in a land, while available to that land, is deemed what is part of the regular culture of that land. While it is not part of another land, it is not part of the regular culture of that land.
An example of this would be social class theory where while more money to the middle class would be seen as a “luxury”, the upper class holding the same amount of money do not see it as a luxury because it is their normal way of life.
Hence, flexibility would not be a luxury to those who have it. From a universal perspective, and if you do not have access to flexibility, then to you it would be a “luxury.”
Hello Joel,
Thanks for visiting! Is it flexibility you see as a viewpoint? Social status or luxury are only circumstances..flexibility is a measurable domain That is hindered if one does not have an open mind? As they say… “ignorance is bliss”..?
Does this help? I like your inquisitive mind…
While Ignorance is bliss, disagreement is possible. Having higher standards because of one’s achievements does play a role in this conversation because in the end, one will have to bend their back for the less fortunate and halt their own progress. Even if it means lowering their own standards.
Also I find that what you and Mr. Solomon are discussing involves both of the two, circumstances and open minds. One can only think upon which his/her society allows him too. I am an American, I have free speech. I can write down most of my thoughts which helps me think easier <—(Example). I am taught to have the flexibility mindset of what my society allows me too, which is a free mind. It is a luxury to me as it is normal. We wish to go to Mars or send rocket ships to the Moon because that our standard of what are grand achievements… flexibility is…something taught in some course, or in life. But flexibility is adaptability and those who adapt best live and thrive. The most wealthy and intelligent are the ones most adapted to this world because it is the system. Have a mindset that is flexible to the system and you will win.
I see flexibility as the ability in ones control of the mind. No matter what society or circumstances..To control one’s mind is the power