How to Be More Flexible

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow to Be More FlexibleCharacteristics of Flexible PeopleBenefitsPotential Pitfalls of Being Less InflexibleFAQ

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

How to Be More Flexible

Characteristics of Flexible People

Benefits

Potential Pitfalls of Being Less Inflexible

FAQ

Close

Mental flexibility is the 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 responses in favor of an alternate response that better suits the current circumstances.

If you have a fixed set of preferences, find it difficult toadjustto change, or have been told that you have a rigid way of thinking, you may find yourself wishing you were more flexible.

“Flexible people are highly adaptable and can adjust quickly to new situations. They tend to be versatile thinkers, who are able to be creative and take alternate routes to make things happen,” saysClarissa Silva, a behavioral scientist, relationship coach, and creator of ‘Your Happiness Hypothesis Method.’

This article explores some of the characteristics of flexible people, the benefits of this trait, and some steps you can take to be more flexible.

Below, Silva shares some strategies that can help you be more flexible:

How to Boost Creativity

This is how flexible people compare to people who are rigid and inflexible.

Flexible PeopleDynamic and versatile in their thinkingOpen to new ideas and ways of doing thingsWilling to try new experiencesAble to adapt to different situationsCapable of dealing with unexpected stressorsMindful of others’ thoughts and feelingsLikely to suggest creative solutions to problemsInflexible PeopleRigid in their thought processesFixed in their habits and preferencesOften unwilling to try new thingsFlustered and uncomfortable in new situationsUnable to cope with unexpected challengesInconsiderate of others’ preferencesResistant to change

Flexible PeopleDynamic and versatile in their thinkingOpen to new ideas and ways of doing thingsWilling to try new experiencesAble to adapt to different situationsCapable of dealing with unexpected stressorsMindful of others’ thoughts and feelingsLikely to suggest creative solutions to problems

Dynamic and versatile in their thinking

Open to new ideas and ways of doing things

Willing to try new experiences

Able to adapt to different situations

Capable of dealing with unexpected stressors

Mindful of others’ thoughts and feelings

Likely to suggest creative solutions to problems

Inflexible PeopleRigid in their thought processesFixed in their habits and preferencesOften unwilling to try new thingsFlustered and uncomfortable in new situationsUnable to cope with unexpected challengesInconsiderate of others’ preferencesResistant to change

Rigid in their thought processes

Fixed in their habits and preferences

Often unwilling to try new things

Flustered and uncomfortable in new situations

Unable to cope with unexpected challenges

Inconsiderate of others’ preferences

Resistant to change

Benefits of Being Flexible

Flexibility is a trait that can come in handy in several situations. For instance, being flexible and open-minded at work can help you be more efficient and deal with unexpected stressors.

Being flexible in your daily life can help avoid frustration and conflict if things don’t go your way, which in turn can help reduce your risk of health conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.Additionally, being flexible with your food preferences and beingopento different experiences can be helpful while traveling or during social occasions with friends and family.

Flexibility is also an important ingredient in relationships, and can lead to better success in romantic relationships, smoother family dynamics, and better well-being overall.

Psychological Flexibility

While discussing the benefits of flexibility, it’s also important to consider the costs of being inflexible.

Clarissa SilvaLinear, clear-cut thinking, and resistance to change can be catastrophic in times of crisis.

Clarissa Silva

Linear, clear-cut thinking, and resistance to change can be catastrophic in times of crisis.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if you’re inflexible:

If you answered yes to these questions above, it’s possible that you might have a tendency to be inflexible.

If you’re unwilling to be flexible, it might make others feel that their opinions, schedules, or way of doing things are not important to you. That can come across as undervaluing them, which can be hurtful. So, it’s important to consider other people’s feelings, when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you’d like to be more flexible at work, try to be more willing to take on new projects. So, if your manager asks if you can take on a small side project, say “yes,” but only if you know you have the bandwidth to do so.Maybe you tend to cut conversations with colleagues short. Try stepping away from your desk for a few minutes and converse with your coworkers. You don’t have to get into long discussions as that will limit your productivity, but it can help you learn how to handle interruptions and make time for others. Additionally, positive interactions at work can help make employees feel more valued.No, you do not need to be flexible all the time. If you’re too flexible, you may risk getting burnt out, abandoning your values, and not fulfilling your own needs. Beingtooflexible might make you become apeople-pleaser. For example, the effects of caregiving can include burnout and depression.So, it’s important to be mindful andnot stretch yourself too thin.

If you’d like to be more flexible at work, try to be more willing to take on new projects. So, if your manager asks if you can take on a small side project, say “yes,” but only if you know you have the bandwidth to do so.Maybe you tend to cut conversations with colleagues short. Try stepping away from your desk for a few minutes and converse with your coworkers. You don’t have to get into long discussions as that will limit your productivity, but it can help you learn how to handle interruptions and make time for others. Additionally, positive interactions at work can help make employees feel more valued.

If you’d like to be more flexible at work, try to be more willing to take on new projects. So, if your manager asks if you can take on a small side project, say “yes,” but only if you know you have the bandwidth to do so.

Maybe you tend to cut conversations with colleagues short. Try stepping away from your desk for a few minutes and converse with your coworkers. You don’t have to get into long discussions as that will limit your productivity, but it can help you learn how to handle interruptions and make time for others. Additionally, positive interactions at work can help make employees feel more valued.

No, you do not need to be flexible all the time. If you’re too flexible, you may risk getting burnt out, abandoning your values, and not fulfilling your own needs. Beingtooflexible might make you become apeople-pleaser. For example, the effects of caregiving can include burnout and depression.So, it’s important to be mindful andnot stretch yourself too thin.

A Word From Verywell

All of us wish to be more dynamic and flexible. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to develop this trait. The key is to try new things, meet new people, and be open to new experiences and perspectives.

Being more flexible can help you adapt,cope with stress, be more creative, and have better relationships.

What Does It Mean to Be Anal-Retentive?

8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.ScienceDirect Topics.Cognitive flexibility.Loftis C.Mental flexibility.Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology2017:1-1. 10.1007/978-3-319-56782-2_2123-2Burzynska AZ, Wong CN, Voss MW, et al.Physical activity is linked to greater moment-to-moment variability in spontaneous brain activity in older adults.PLoS One. 2015;10(8):e0134819. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0134819Ramaci T, Bellini D, Presti G, Santisi G.Psychological flexibility and mindfulness as predictors of individual outcomes in hospital health workers.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1302. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01302Brassey J, Witteloostuijn AV, Huszka C, Silberzahn T, Dam NV.Emotional flexibility and general self-efficacy: A pilot training intervention study with knowledge workers.PLoS One. 2020;15(10):e0237821. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0237821Daks J, Rogge, R.Examining the correlates of psychological flexibility in romantic relationship and family dynamics: a meta-analysis.Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2020.09.010Mastroianni K, Storberg-Walker J.Do work relationships matter? Characteristics of workplace interactions that enhance or detract from employee perceptions of well-being and health behaviors.Health Psychol Behav Med. 2014;2(1):798-819. doi:10.1080/21642850.2014.933343Krishnan S, York MK, Backus D, Heyn PC.Coping With Caregiver Burnout When Caring for a Person With Neurodegenerative Disease: A Guide for Caregivers.Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017;98(4):805-807. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2016.11.002

8 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.ScienceDirect Topics.Cognitive flexibility.Loftis C.Mental flexibility.Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology2017:1-1. 10.1007/978-3-319-56782-2_2123-2Burzynska AZ, Wong CN, Voss MW, et al.Physical activity is linked to greater moment-to-moment variability in spontaneous brain activity in older adults.PLoS One. 2015;10(8):e0134819. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0134819Ramaci T, Bellini D, Presti G, Santisi G.Psychological flexibility and mindfulness as predictors of individual outcomes in hospital health workers.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1302. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01302Brassey J, Witteloostuijn AV, Huszka C, Silberzahn T, Dam NV.Emotional flexibility and general self-efficacy: A pilot training intervention study with knowledge workers.PLoS One. 2020;15(10):e0237821. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0237821Daks J, Rogge, R.Examining the correlates of psychological flexibility in romantic relationship and family dynamics: a meta-analysis.Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2020.09.010Mastroianni K, Storberg-Walker J.Do work relationships matter? Characteristics of workplace interactions that enhance or detract from employee perceptions of well-being and health behaviors.Health Psychol Behav Med. 2014;2(1):798-819. doi:10.1080/21642850.2014.933343Krishnan S, York MK, Backus D, Heyn PC.Coping With Caregiver Burnout When Caring for a Person With Neurodegenerative Disease: A Guide for Caregivers.Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017;98(4):805-807. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2016.11.002

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

ScienceDirect Topics.Cognitive flexibility.Loftis C.Mental flexibility.Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology2017:1-1. 10.1007/978-3-319-56782-2_2123-2Burzynska AZ, Wong CN, Voss MW, et al.Physical activity is linked to greater moment-to-moment variability in spontaneous brain activity in older adults.PLoS One. 2015;10(8):e0134819. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0134819Ramaci T, Bellini D, Presti G, Santisi G.Psychological flexibility and mindfulness as predictors of individual outcomes in hospital health workers.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1302. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01302Brassey J, Witteloostuijn AV, Huszka C, Silberzahn T, Dam NV.Emotional flexibility and general self-efficacy: A pilot training intervention study with knowledge workers.PLoS One. 2020;15(10):e0237821. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0237821Daks J, Rogge, R.Examining the correlates of psychological flexibility in romantic relationship and family dynamics: a meta-analysis.Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2020.09.010Mastroianni K, Storberg-Walker J.Do work relationships matter? Characteristics of workplace interactions that enhance or detract from employee perceptions of well-being and health behaviors.Health Psychol Behav Med. 2014;2(1):798-819. doi:10.1080/21642850.2014.933343Krishnan S, York MK, Backus D, Heyn PC.Coping With Caregiver Burnout When Caring for a Person With Neurodegenerative Disease: A Guide for Caregivers.Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017;98(4):805-807. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2016.11.002

ScienceDirect Topics.Cognitive flexibility.

Loftis C.Mental flexibility.Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology2017:1-1. 10.1007/978-3-319-56782-2_2123-2

Burzynska AZ, Wong CN, Voss MW, et al.Physical activity is linked to greater moment-to-moment variability in spontaneous brain activity in older adults.PLoS One. 2015;10(8):e0134819. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0134819

Ramaci T, Bellini D, Presti G, Santisi G.Psychological flexibility and mindfulness as predictors of individual outcomes in hospital health workers.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1302. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01302

Brassey J, Witteloostuijn AV, Huszka C, Silberzahn T, Dam NV.Emotional flexibility and general self-efficacy: A pilot training intervention study with knowledge workers.PLoS One. 2020;15(10):e0237821. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0237821

Daks J, Rogge, R.Examining the correlates of psychological flexibility in romantic relationship and family dynamics: a meta-analysis.Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2020.09.010

Mastroianni K, Storberg-Walker J.Do work relationships matter? Characteristics of workplace interactions that enhance or detract from employee perceptions of well-being and health behaviors.Health Psychol Behav Med. 2014;2(1):798-819. doi:10.1080/21642850.2014.933343

Krishnan S, York MK, Backus D, Heyn PC.Coping With Caregiver Burnout When Caring for a Person With Neurodegenerative Disease: A Guide for Caregivers.Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017;98(4):805-807. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2016.11.002

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