Life is full of challenges, and many times we have to stop what we are doing to completely switch gears. Having the ability to be versatile, and developing a flexible attitude will go a long way in adjusting to the ebbs and flows that life will inevitably bring. When life or work seems too frustrating to deal with, all we may need to make it work is an attitude adjustment.
When we focus on fighting the obstacles that challenge us, we waste time and energy that could be used more productively if we only learned to “go with the flow” a little more often. If we switch our thinking, viewing obstacles and challenges in a different light, we can be successful in achieving so much more. We will also expend less time and energy if we aren’t fighting against a current. This energy can then be focused elsewhere.
By implementing the following five helpful tips for developing a flexible attitude, you can find better ways to proceed through life, allowing yourself to flow a little more smoothly through its many ups and downs.
- Embrace change
Change is necessary to get anywhere in life, and embracing it takes a lot of courage and strength. After all, change brings us into new experiences, and often the unknown is scary for us. The change also brings a good omen, in that life is not remaining stagnant, but rather moving forward in different directions. We should allow life to carry us off into these directions so we can experience a different point of view, appreciating more what we do or don’t have.
2. Envision a new outcome
If we go through life expecting things to go as they always have, we can never open ourselves up to the possibility of great things. When our expectations don’t arrive, we will be lost, not knowing which way to turn. If we can imagine our actions having different outcomes, we can be prepared for whatever life may bring us, good or bad. Opening our minds to new outcomes will also help us plan for when those outcomes are realized.
3. Enjoy the journey
Key to making our attitudes more flexible is learning to look past the goal of getting something accomplished, and enjoy the trip along the way. If we constantly focus on doing something, achieving something, or acquiring something, we lose sight of ourselves and who we are being. Enjoying ourselves along the way to our goals will allow us to remain flexible in the steps we take to arrive at their completion or our final destinations.
4. Explore different options
When trying to reach a goal, why not try a new way of getting there? Developing a flexible attitude will be simple if we can practice being flexible in the choices that are important to us. Learning to step out of the box and choose a different path, or option, will often lead us to the new outcomes weíve been envisioning.
5. Emotionally detach from the outcome
It is easy to become frustrated at times, but emotionally detaching from the situation will allow us to take a look at our options more carefully and objectively. Acting in response to difficulties is far different than reacting, and the former is the more productive choice. When a challenge arises, take the time to decide how to act, instead of reacting with rash behavior.
Remaining flexible throughout life may make you feel like you are loosening the reins on your goals and values. That is not the case, however. If we can stay flexible and adapt to change, we may find ourselves better off than we ever could have imagined.
