flex•i•ble
adj. (flĕk′sə-bəl)
1.a: Capable of being bent or flexed; pliable: a flexible hose.
1.b: Readily bending or twisting the body without injury: You can play soccer much better if you’re flexible.
2. Able to change to cope with variable circumstances: “a flexible and quietly competent administrator” (Jerome Karabel).
3. Capable of being changed or adjusted to meet particular or varied needs: a job with flexible hours; a flexible definition of normality.

Have you ever been amazed by the way a contortionist can bend and twist his body? Personally, it makes me squirm because it looks painful. However, I’ve actually learned that not being flexible is more painful.

The ability of one to be able to bend, twist, stretch, expand, and adjust creates all sorts of space and freedom. I’m not just talking about flexibility of the body, but more importantly, flexibility of the mind. As I get older, I notice everything gets tighter and constricted…including my willingness to change my way of doing things. The world is always changing around us and I realize I too need to be flexible in my thoughts and actions.

If I’m not willing to bend and adjust, I find I meet resistance. That resistance can be painful and unproductive at times. However, if I choose to move with the change, I find that everything ultimately falls into place. It’s like holding a stretch long enough for my muscles to relax.

So, I wonder, what does it take for you to bend, twist, adjust, and cope with changing circumstances? Do you resist or do you stretch and demonstrate your flexibility?

Author’s Note: This post was adapted from its original publication on Momentum Consulting.