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How to Be More Flexible

Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

i am flexible person essay

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and a professor at Yeshiva University’s clinical psychology doctoral program.

i am flexible person essay

The Good Brigade / Getty Images

Characteristics of Flexible People

Potential pitfalls of being less inflexible.

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 to adjust to 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,” says Clarissa 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:

  • Consider alternate options: If you’re prone to inflexible thinking, you may only be comfortable with a certain way of doing things. However, it’s important to remember that there are many solutions to any given situation and more than one way of doing things. Consider different options and weigh the pros and cons of each one before making a decision .
  • Start making small changes: You can practice being flexible by making small changes to your daily routine. For instance, if you generally watch television before you go to bed, try reading a book instead. Or, if you normally take the bus to work, try cycling instead. Doing things differently can help you practice the skill of adapting.
  • Try new experiences: Make it a point to regularly try out new experiences. For instance, you can try out a new restaurant or cuisine at least once a month. Or, you could try a new activity such as learning an instrument, playing a sport, volunteering, taking a cooking class, going hiking, or doing any other activity that appeals to you.
  • Meet new people: Meeting new people of diverse backgrounds can expose you to different perspectives. Seeing things through someone else’s eyes can help you understand that there is more than one way of doing things.
  • Look for opportunities: You may find yourself looking for excuses to avoid pursuing routes that are beyond your comfort zone. However, if you would like to be more flexible, try to look for opportunities instead of focusing on obstacles, mistakes, or failures.
  • Don’t be afraid to change your stance: Take the time to gather information before choosing your best option. Don’t be afraid to change your stance as you take in new information. There is no shame in changing your opinion as you become better informed.
  • Challenge your beliefs: If you have a certain way of doing things, it can be helpful to introspect on it and ask yourself why you’re insistent on doing things that way. Use your critical thinking skills to determine whether that’s actually the best way.
  • Maintain a positive attitude: While going out of your comfort zone can be difficult, it can be helpful to maintain a positive attitude as you work on creating new thought patterns. You can try engaging in positive self-talk to get yourself through challenging tasks.
  • Be more perceptive: Try to be more perceptive of others' thoughts and feelings. Most flexible thinkers are highly emotionally intelligent. Being able to gauge others’ feelings will help you be more empathetic and considerate.
  • Get some exercise: Research shows that being more physically active can help make your brain more active as well, boosting cognitive function and mental flexibility.
  • Seek therapy: If you are experiencing problems at home, at work, or in social settings due to your inflexibility, it can be helpful to see a therapist . They can help you examine your beliefs, challenge problematic assumptions, and develop coping skills that promote flexibility.

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

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

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 being open to 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.

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

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:

  • Are you facing friction in your personal relationships because you're set on only doing things your way?
  • Do you struggle to maintain friendships or frequently fight with your partner?
  • Have you noticed that more dynamic thinkers at work are performing better than you are?

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

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. Being too flexible might make you become a people-pleaser . For example, the effects of caregiving can include burnout and depression. So, it's important to be mindful and not 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.

ScienceDirect Topics. Cognitive flexibility .

Loftis C. Mental flexibility . Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology 2017:1-1. 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

By Sanjana Gupta Sanjana is a health writer and editor. Her work spans various health-related topics, including mental health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

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Adaptability: An Age-old Approach to the Current Crisis

Change is going to come..

As we are all aware by now, change is constant. Technology and automation are on the rise, the job market and room for remote work are fluctuating fast, and during COVID-19 CDC social distancing requirements, societal norms that were once considered secure are now disrupted daily. All of us must remember that tiredness, frustration, and melancholy can quickly wear down adaptability, causing anxiety, aggression, and conflict. In reality, resilience takes immense interpersonal audacity and effort. We need to note that the things we may perceive as threats may be opportunities for something new if we adjust our outlook. We must find focus amid our fight or flight responses, take a moment to breathe, acclimate to adversity, and look ahead.

The practice may not make perfect, but that’s okay .

It’s essential to remember that adaptability is not inherent or fixed, and, just like a muscle that needs to stretch and exercise, versatility takes practice. By nature, the brain seeks out habitual patterns causing unintentional blind spots; require everyone, especially during times of tribulation, to re-train their brain from their expected, everyday occurrences to encountering the unfamiliar.

No one is flawless, and there are a few negative traits you should be mindful of when working on your malleability. Inflexibility, for instance, will surely be a roadblock on your path to success. Black and white thinking, bluntness, disgruntlement, and realistically, any resistance to change can be catastrophic in times of crisis.

So, is adaptability worth it?

In short- YES , on many levels! Someone adaptable can quickly summon captivating leadership skills and tend to be happier in their professional and personal lives. A versatile employee can be an asset to any team, cultivating a competitive advantage.

In all, adaptability prepares us for adversity around the corner, and nowadays, who doesn’t need that kind of advantage?

Seven Innovative Qualities that Advance Adaptable People

  • Flexibility and the availability to adjust at any moment. Adaptable people can possess elastic-like energy, a willingness to bend and break habits, to challenge themselves when their circumstances change. They tend to face problems, pivot among distractions, and politely proceed forward. Adaptable people are prone to think ahead and consistently focus on improvement. Balance beams of “what can we be doing better,” those that are adaptable ruminate over both the risks and the rewards.
  • Curiosity encompasses adaptability . Adaptable people can be inquisitive, and they remind their inner child never to stop asking “why.” Flexible people also aren’t timid to ask “stupid questions.” Those who are adaptable are eager to investigate solutions, explore issues efficiently, from a functional perspective, and across all angles.
  • See opportunity above obstacles. Instead of seeing mistakes or failure, try seeing opportunities instead. Adaptable people don’t have one solution set in stone. They have a wide variety of ideas and resources to pull from, and because of this, they are more likely to reinvent the wheel in real-time.
  • Adaptable people are true team players. They tend to criticize less and are not characteristically quick to point fingers. They soak-in information, analyze, and adjust. They don’t fixate on the temporary, and they seek to understand, not explain, making them the ultimate coworkers and partners. Adaptable people are not prideful and are aware of the power behind their purpose, having strong moral values they’re willing to stand behind.
  • Adaptable people can be versatile visionaries, who are prepared and proactive. They can be creative, imaginative, and more often than not, they take alternate routes to make things happen.
  • Adaptable people are emotionally intelligent. They have more of a capacity to care, and a tenacity for tolerance, encouraging empathy and respect for others, even those who may have different views from their own. They are observant, too, and also examine their coping mechanisms and strategies for success, altering accordingly.
  • Practice positivity, professionally and personally! Adaptable people make a habit of engaging in positive self-talk to get through challenging tasks. They are also comfortable self-correcting without scratching to their ego. On the plus side, adaptable people who practice positivity tend not to sink or settle after setbacks, either. Actively pursue and cherish the positive moments in life. Great things can come to those who are grateful.

i am flexible person essay

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How well do you adapt to new situations? Interview questions answered

The only inevitable thing in life is change . And the same is true in business. New competitors enter the market, economy changes, company hires new people, and others leave. If you want to survive, and perhaps thrive as a business, you need to adapt . As an employee, you have to follow suit. You need to innovate yourself , again and again, in order to stay on the top of the game, and to do your job in a most efficient way.

That’s why when they ask you how well you adapt to something, you should say that you adapt well . But just like with any other interview question, it is not as simple… You should elaborate on your answer , either with a situation from the past, one which demonstrates your ability to adapt to new situations, or with a longer description of your attitude. They may also structure their question differently , using one of the following alternatives:

  • Give an example of a time you have had to deal with change professionally or personally.
  • Describe a situation where you were flexible and adaptable.
  • Give an example of a time you have demonstrated adaptability in the workplace. How did you help others through the transition.

While there are slight differences in between the questions, the hiring managers are always looking for the same attitude . Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to this interesting question. I hope you will find on our list at least one that fits your thoughts and level of experience, and you can use it in your interview.

7 sample answers to “How well do you adapt to new situations” interview question

  • I would say that my past experience demonstrates that I adapt quite well to new situations. I worked in a company that grew extremely fast. We had 10 employees at the beginning of the year and 200 at the end of it, and I started as a programmer and ended as a CTO at the end of the year. Of course it was not always easy to adapt to changes in your working routine and to help your colleagues through the transition, and to learn new skills on the go. But I managed to do it, and can see no reason why I should struggle adapting to changes in my new job.
  • This is my first job application , so it is hard for me to guess how I will adapt to new situations in the workplace. But I am a creative mind, and I believe that I actually need some changes, some impulses, to stay motivated and to thrive in my work . That’s actually one of the reasons why I applied for a job with your company . I see that you apply agile project management in your teams, and that most positions encompass a wide array of duties, which is a huge difference to entry level roles in big corporations. I believe that such a working environment matches well with my personality , but of course I’ll have to do the job for some time first to see how well I adapt.
  • Honestly I believe that I am flexible and adaptable. Of course I am not the youngest guy anymore, and I have my routines . On the other hand, I am always open to a creative discussion, and I also understand how quickly everything changes in this business. I am ready to go with the flow and adapt to changes, as long as I see that they make sense for the company. In the current state of global economy, I cannot afford any other attitude–because I’d end up unemployable…
  • I’d say that I can deal quite well with change professionally or personally. For example, now I am unemployed after having the same job for ten years . But instead of crying and complaining about the situation, I try to get the best of it. I spend more quality time with my family, and I also try to learn some new skills, to broaden my opportunities in the employment market. I think that everything is a question of attitude . It is foolish to think that everything will be the same in ten years from now. Either you adapt, or you will suffer. I am ready to adapt, that’s my choice.

* Do not forget to check : 15 most common interview questions and answers (entry level).

  • The recent pandemic is a good demonstration of my ability to adapt to change and new situations. You see, everything changed for me. We had to close our store, and I had to change my daily routine quite drastically. I also always enjoyed sports, and suddenly they were banned. But I explored new hobbies and opportunities , things we were still allowed to do during the pandemic. I adapted, and I definitely did not suffer from depression or anything similar. This experience makes me believe that I have an ability to adapt to new situations, and will be able to do is in my new job as well.
  • Well, I’d say it depends on the novelty of the situation . How big the change is, and how much it means to you. My husband died two years ago. I can assure you that I struggled a lot to adapt to living alone, all of a sudden. We had a great relationship, and did almost everything together. For the first few months I suffered terribly, and barely left the house. But then I understood that life goes on , it has to, and that my suffering won’t help anyone. And I joined a sports club, started to study again, and now I also want to get a job . I would say that I adapted quite well to this profound change, though it took me quite a lot of time to adapt to it mentally.
  • I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life , up to this point. And in small business everything is about constant change, about trying to keep your head above the water, and avoid getting eaten by the sharks, the big players. Honestly, if anyone can adapt to new situations, it’s me. And now I experience another new situation. My business bankrupt because of the pandemic (just like all other small businesses in the area), and I am looking for a job. But as you can see I am enthusiastic about the proposition, and try to see the good things, instead of dwelling on the negatives . Maybe it will be nice to have a boss and regular working hours, after working for 90+ hours a week in my small business.

You can use the recent pandemic to demonstrate your ability to adapt to changes and help others through transition

I do not know a single person who wasn’t affected by the recent pandemic. Many people had to work from home , or they lost their jobs completely. Businesses had to close down, or transform. Students stopped going to school and had to do their exams distantly. Even most job interviews suddenly took place in the online world. And of course, we could not do the activities we enjoyed doing, because many of them were banned.

You can refer to this in your answer. Explain how you adapted to the new situation in the world, how you changed your routines. It clearly demonstrates that you shouldn’t have a problem with constant changes in your new job… See sample answers no. 5 and no. 7 for your inspiration.

May also interest you : How to dress for an interview? Learn how to pick the right clothes for the important meeting with the employer.

i am flexible person essay

Most hiring managers like job candidates who are looking for challenges

You do not want to be a mediocre employee, an average guy. And you won’t enjoy doing the same tasks day after day. You shiver when you imagine that someone can work as a cashier for 20 years, sitting at the cash desk and scanning bar codes from 9 to 5, 6 days a week, for twenty years. The only possible reaction to that is a facepalm, or a shake of a head.

That’s just not you. You want to be intellectually challenged , you want to grow in the company. And that’s exactly the reason why you decided to apply for the job with them , because you understand that change is inevitable in their business. That’s the fitting environment for you, one in which you’ll thrive. Check sample answer no. 2 as a good illustration of this attitude.

* Special Tip : This isn’t the only difficult question you will face while interviewing for any decent job. You will face questions about prioritization, dealing with pressure, dealing with ambiguity , and other tricky scenarios that happen in the workplace. If you want to make sure that you stand out with your answers and outclass your competitors, have a look at our Interview Success Package . Up to 10 premium answers to 31 tricky scenario based questions (+ more) will make your life much easier in the interviews. Thank you for checking it out!

Referring to a personal tragedy can change the atmosphere in the interviews

Of course no change in work comes even close to some profound changes we experience in our personal life. When we lose someone we love, or get very sick, or even when we get married, or have a child–these are new situations we have to adapt to, some of them positive, and other negative–though it always depends on your perspective :).

Talking about something bad that happened to you (such as a loss of someone you loved) may seem like a strange idea in an interview. But you should realize that hiring managers are also human beings –and some of them perhaps experienced a similar loss in their life, and also struggled to adapt to their new life situation. If they did, and you opt for this interview answer, you can connect with them in a special way –not many things bring us as close as a shared suffering .

At the end of the day, personal preferences will always play a role in an interview. If you experienced something difficult in your life, and feel ready to talk about it with the strangers , it can be your best bet for a great answer to this tricky interview question…

Ready to answer this one? I hope so! Check also 7 sample answers to other interesting interview questions :

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Psychological Flexibility and Mental Wellness

Are you the same person at work as you are at a party is that a problem.

Posted March 4, 2021 | Reviewed by Matt Huston

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

One of the characteristics of healthy people, according to psychologists, is flexible responding. Psychological flexibility means you can respond in a healthy way to different situations and people, and do so in a way that fits with your personal values. Being psychologically flexible helps you adjust to different situations, deal with stress , and improve your well-being. It’s also one of the characteristics needed to form friendships. That’s pretty powerful. A huge amount of evidence now suggests that it's important to leading more meaningful lives based on what’s really important to you. That’s even more powerful.

So what does flexible responding mean in real life? Well, it means you can adjust the way you behave based on what’s needed in the situation. Some people are very comfortable in their daily lives and have a routine that works for them. But that routine, when it controls what you do, can block relationships.

Doris has a routine that works for her. She gets up at six every morning, and feeds and walks her dogs. She watches the morning news while having breakfast and then goes to work. She has a salad for lunch and she stops work at 5:30 every day. She has a protein and a vegetable for dinner, does household chores and then watches a couple of television shows before going to sleep. Doris enjoys her routine. She feels anxious when she can’t follow it. The problem comes when someone invites her to do something different. Even when it’s something she wants to do, she becomes anxious and worried because she is only comfortable in her familiar routine. In fact, if someone comes to visit, she struggles with spending time with them. Even if she does, she is constantly thinking of what she “should” be doing. Doris’s routine is rigid, and she isn’t able to respond flexibly to the situation.

Doris struggles with flexibility in other ways too. She has a serious, professional manner about her. In fact, she rarely smiles. She follows the rules and is reserved, except she tends to dress in a rebellious way. She doesn't show any expression on her face and others often describe her as angry. At work, this demeanor is seen as a professional manner. But when there is social interaction, such as an office celebration, she’s the same. She remains reserved and serious even when the rest of the crew are singing and forming line dances.

It’s the same with her nieces. She cares deeply about them, but she doesn’t play with them or tell them how she feels. They don’t enjoy being around her. She values friends and family, but spends her time in her routine and accomplishing tasks. When she's angry with someone, she's done with the relationship and doesn't forgive . She's not flexible with others making changes either.

Perhaps you understand Doris. Maybe you are someone who needs and enjoys structure and routine, and have great difficulty letting go and having fun or connecting with others, even when the situation calls for that. Perhaps you have a certain way of interacting that is the same regardless of whether you are at work or at a family celebration. You may be confused as to why it’s so difficult to connect and see yourself as just being a loner.

Being psychologically flexible means that you can follow a routine when that’s helpful and not follow it when it’s not helpful. It means you can rein in your emotions when you need to do so and that you can also express yourself openly when that’s appropriate. If you aren’t good at expressing appreciation, caring, and upset and if you struggle to let go and have fun, that can interfere with connecting with people.

If this sounds like you, then you might wish to be mindful of when you are allowing your routines to get in the way of relationships and what’s really important to you. You might consider being more open with your feelings in the right context, too. This means showing your emotions on your face and through body language as well. If you aren’t aware of your facial expressions, you might try talking into a mirror and observing yourself. Do you smile? Do you look warm and engaging? Are you relaxed or tense? Do you make eye contact?

The way you express yourself verbally can also have an impact. Do you answer questions that you are asked or do you avoid answering directly? Do you answer questions with questions? Do you agree with whatever someone says to avoid conflict? Do you plan what you are going to say to people? These could be ways that you avoid letting someone get to know you. That could feel safe and self-protective, but it’s also a way of keeping people at a distance. If they don’t know you, how can you be friends?

i am flexible person essay

Being more open with others can help form connections and help alleviate loneliness . Consider trying to be more open to others in both verbal and nonverbal ways over a period of time and notice how others respond to you. The research suggests that being more open with others will lead to them being more open with you. You might find a friend.

Karyn Hall Ph.D.

Karyn Hall, Ph.D. , is the author of The Emotionally Sensitive Person, Mindfulness Exercises, and co-author of The Power of Validation.

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How to Say “I Am Flexible” in an Interview

During a job interview, it’s crucial to convey your flexibility and adaptability to potential employers. Being able to demonstrate that you are open to change and can easily adjust to new situations is highly valued in the professional world. In this guide, we will explore different approaches to expressing your flexibility in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll provide tips, examples, and even touch on regional variations if necessary.

1. Formal Ways to Express Flexibility:

When aiming for a formal tone during an interview, it’s essential to strike a balance between professionalism and warmth. Here are some phrases you can use to express your flexibility:

“I am adaptable and can quickly adjust to changing circumstances.”

This statement highlights your ability to remain composed and thrive in dynamic and unpredictable situations. Emphasize that you can embrace change and integrate smoothly into new environments.

“I am comfortable taking on different roles and responsibilities.”

By mentioning your willingness to step outside your comfort zone and wear multiple hats, you demonstrate both flexibility and versatility.

“I have a flexible approach to problem-solving and can easily adapt my strategies.”

Show that you can adapt your problem-solving techniques to various scenarios and are not limited to a single approach. Highlight your ability to think creatively when faced with unforeseen challenges.

2. Informal Ways to Express Flexibility:

While formal language is appropriate in many interview situations, there are times when a slightly more casual approach can be effective. Here are some informal ways to express your flexibility:

“I’m a go-with-the-flow kind of person and can adapt to any situation.”

By using this relaxed expression, you showcase your ability to remain calm and composed, even in high-pressure or uncertain circumstances.

“I’m open to trying new things and stepping outside my comfort zone.”

Highlight your adventurous side and willingness to take risks. This demonstrates adaptability and an eagerness to learn and grow in new environments.

“I pride myself on being able to roll with the punches.”

Use this phrase to convey your ability to handle unexpected challenges with ease and resilience. Employers appreciate candidates who can stay calm and adjust course when necessary.

3. Tips for Expressing Flexibility:

Now that you have some specific phrases to communicate your flexibility, let’s explore some additional tips to help you make a lasting impression:

i. Highlight relevant experiences:

Share instances from your past where you successfully adapted to change or showcased flexibility. This could include taking on new responsibilities, working in diverse teams, or overcoming unexpected obstacles.

ii. Discuss your willingness to learn:

Express your eagerness to learn new skills, methodologies, or technologies. This emphasizes your adaptability and shows that you’re not resistant to change or new ways of doing things.

iii. Be specific:

Provide concrete examples of situations where you demonstrated flexibility. This could involve adjusting to shifting project priorities or taking on additional work to meet tight deadlines. Make sure your examples are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

iv. Showcase problem-solving skills:

Being flexible often involves finding creative solutions to unexpected challenges. Discuss how you’ve addressed problems in the past by thinking outside the box.

v. Adapt your responses:

Create customized responses to express your flexibility based on the specific needs of the company or industry you’re interviewing for. Research the organization beforehand to tailor your examples and show your understanding of their unique challenges.

Demonstrating flexibility during an interview is vital to showcase your ability to adapt to new and challenging environments. By using the formal and informal expressions provided in this guide, you can effectively communicate your flexibility to potential employers. Remember to highlight relevant experiences, discuss your willingness to learn, provide specific examples, showcase problem-solving skills, and adapt your responses based on the company’s needs. With these tips and strategies, you’ll impress interviewers and increase your chances of landing the job!

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How to Say "I Am Flexible" - A Comprehensive Guide

Gaining the ability to express flexibility is crucial in various situations, whether in professional settings, personal relationships, or everyday interactions. Demonstrating your willingness to adapt and accommodate others' needs can foster better communication and build stronger connections. In this guide, we will explore different ways to convey the idea of "I am flexible" in both formal and informal contexts. We will also provide regional variations whenever necessary, along with numerous tips and examples to enhance your understanding. So, let's dive in!

How to Say "I am Flexible at Work"

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Flexibility is a highly valued trait in the workplace. It refers to someone's ability to adapt to changes, handle new tasks, and adjust to different situations with ease. Whether you want to praise a colleague, describe a potential employee, or discuss your own capabilities, knowing how to express someone's flexibility can have a positive impact. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey this attribute, providing you with various tips and examples along the way.

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How to Be Flexible in the Workplace

Responding to change quickly and positively.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

i am flexible person essay

Rapid technological advances, along with fast-paced changes in global markets and the political landscape, mean that today's workplaces are often unpredictable.

Your organization has probably undergone a major change of one kind or another recently – most have. Perhaps, as a result, you've found yourself taking on new responsibilities, or working with a variety of different teams or across different functions.

Maybe your industry is in a state of upheaval, with no two days the same, or you've had to adapt to working under a succession of different managers. All of this means that it's more important than ever that you are flexible and responsive to sudden change.

In this article, we explain what it means to be flexible, how it can benefit you, and how you can achieve it.

What Is Flexibility?

Flexibility is the capacity to adjust to short-term change , quickly and calmly, so that you can deal with unexpected problems or tasks effectively. Here are a few examples of how you might demonstrate it:

  • Offer to help out another team member if you notice that they are overloaded.
  • Volunteer to cover a colleague's work while they're on leave.
  • Consider allowing people to work from home to help them achieve a better work/life balance .
  • When you come across a problem, offer up a variety of solutions that might fix it.

Flexibility Vs. Adaptability

Flexibility is similar to adaptability, but the two are not the same. In relation to your attitude and behaviors at work, they can be defined as follows:

  • Flexible in the way you work . Willing to accommodate others' needs and not be preoccupied with your own objectives.
  • Adaptable to the prevailing circumstances , i.e. having the ability to adapt to the way other people work and cope with differences in conditions or environment.

Why Be Flexible?

Most of us have experienced change in the workplace at some point. In fact, according to research from the Manpower Group, 74 percent of U.K. businesses have undergone a restructure in the past five years.

We can't always predict when changes like these are going to happen. That's why flexibility is so important. When you're flexible, you're versatile, resilient and responsive to change. You can adapt to unexpected demands in the workplace – sudden surges in work, urgent problems, or an unpredictable event , such as a cyber security breach or financial crash, for instance.

Flexible people are highly prized by managers and businesses. They help to stabilize situations when crisis strikes. They keep objectives achievable and within reach, and they often " go the extra mile " to support colleagues who are in need of advice or help.

How to Be More Flexible

Flexibility involves having an open, team-centered attitude, and retaining a strong sense of identity and purpose. Here are seven ways that you can achieve this:

1. Focus on Your Core Values

Having key attributes that don't shift can keep you grounded during periods of change. Using your core values and your organization's culture as anchor points will help you to decide what you can and can't agree to when you receive an unexpected request.

Taking on responsibility for a project that will get your team nearer to meeting its annual target is one thing; but, if this involves doing something that is legally or ethically dubious, you should steer clear.

2. Be Open-Minded

You'll likely find it easier to understand and manage a situation if you look at it from different perspectives . For example, if you're looking to launch a new product, you might first like to analyze it from different viewpoints.

How will it fit into the marketplace, for instance? What will the impact be on your production process, and your sales and marketing teams? How do you think your customers will react to it?

Make it a priority to listen to and understand the views of the other people involved. If your manager asks you to help out on an urgent project, for example, consider how it will benefit the team or your career, rather than simply thinking, "Oh no, not more work!"

3. Develop Your Skill Set

If you don't make an effort to learn new skills, you'll likely find that when an unexpected event does occur, you won't be equipped to deal with it.

Tackle this by staying curious about what's going on around you. Keep up-to-date with new industry trends by reading up on the latest innovations and research, and broaden your knowledge by cross-skilling .

Make an effort to work with people or on tasks that you would normally avoid. There really might be better ways of doing things. And stretch yourself – get into the habit of trying new things instead of being stuck in a routine.

4. Be Optimistic

It can be difficult to stay positive when you know a large, urgent project is on the horizon. But, looking on the bright side and focusing on the positives will help you to stay resilient and focused. A break or change in your routine could be an opportunity to learn new skills, or to work with different colleagues, new clients or new suppliers.

5. Stay Calm

When expectations shift suddenly, it can be disconcerting and you might find that you start to feel anxious. Counter the effects of stress (such as loss of focus and impaired decision making) by taking steps to restore calm . You can explore tips and techniques for doing this in our article, Managing Stress .

6. Plan Ahead

Even if you can't predict the future, you can still plan for the unexpected.

Anticipating the next new development, measuring risks and preparing for them, are key skills. For example, if you are pitching a product or service to a potential client, it's a good idea to think about the questions that they might ask, and to prepare your answers ahead of time.

7. Have a Strong Support Network

Having a strong and stable team around you is essential in times of flux . It means that no matter the difficulties you are facing, you have people you can rely on to support you.

Strengthen the relationships that you have with your co-workers by building trust . You could start by, for example, offering to take on additional tasks when a colleague is busy, or by helping them with a system or process that they're finding difficult to use.

Not only will this boost collaboration and positivity across your team, but it will likely encourage your colleagues to return the favor when you are the one in need of help.

Don't allow a commitment to flexible working to become an opportunity for others to take advantage of you. Make your boundaries clear and assert your right not to become a "dumpster" for all the jobs that nobody else wants.

How to Encourage Team Flexibility

As a manager, you're responsible for developing a team culture that values and encourages flexibility. The following tips can help you to do just that:

Overcome Resistance to Change

Expecting your team members to adapt to changing circumstances automatically can be a "big ask."

So, the next time a big change is on the horizon, encourage your people to be more flexible by clearly explaining why the change is necessary. Spell out its benefits to them and to the organization, and take care not to gloss over any details.

For more tips on how to help your people to overcome resistance to change, read our article, Beckhard and Harris' Change Equation .

Foster a Sense of Security

To be flexible, people need to be able to "think on their feet" and act boldly in ways that are new and unfamiliar.

Give your people the self-confidence to do this by creating an environment in which they feel supported and trusted, and where they can test out new ideas without fear of failure or punishment. And encourage them to share their findings with the rest of the team.

Lead With Purpose

When people are clear on the goals that they need to reach, and what they need to do to achieve them, shorter-term challenges will have a less disruptive impact. So, be sure to clearly communicate your team's purpose and its shared objectives, and revisit them regularly so that everyone stays on track.

Encourage Creativity

When people are given the freedom to be creative , they'll likely find it easier to adapt to new ways of working, to find solutions to problems, and to make better decisions when unexpected issues crop up.

Encourage creativity in your team by leading by example . Suggest new ideas yourself, and invite other people to offer feedback and suggestions. Not only will this encourage a sense of adventure , but it will also drive team collaboration and engagement.

Flexibility isn't just about responding to events quickly. It also involves responding to the different needs of your team members. When there's an urgent problem, you'll likely find that some people jump at the challenge, while others appear to cave under the pressure.

Don't "write off" these people. Remember just how much you're asking of them. Tap into your emotional intelligence by showing them that you understand and empathize with them about the challenges that they face. Ask if there's anything you can do to help them. Could you provide additional training, for example, or pair them up with a more confident colleague?

Finally, remember to give praise, and reward your team members when they show initiative or have reacted well to a situation that demands flexibility.

Flexibility has become an increasingly valuable skill in modern workplaces where unpredictability and change are often constant.

When you are flexible, you are able to deal with unexpected challenges quickly, calmly and efficiently. But flexibility isn't just about reacting to situations as and when they arise. It also involves making substantial changes to the way we think, work and behave.

You can become more flexible by following these seven steps:

  • Focus on your core values.
  • Be open-minded.
  • Develop your skill set.
  • Be optimistic.
  • Plan ahead.
  • Have a strong support network.

Right Management, (2015). The Flux Report: Building a Resilient Workforce in the Face of Flux [online]. Available here . [Accessed January 12, 2018.]

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We love this bright and positive take on flexibility at the workplace. We have a similar approach to the topic which you can check out at https://careernet.in/blog/four-approaches-to-flexible-employee-development/

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Do You Have Adaptability Skills?

Oura - Your Success is in Your Hands

The concept of adaptability, as discussed in my co-authored book, The Platinum Rule , is a two-part process, combining the skills of flexibility with versatility. 

Flexibility is your willingness to adapt . It’s your attitude. Versatility is your ability to adapt. It’s your aptitude. People with adaptability skills are both flexible and versatile. Of course, our level of adaptability can be stronger in some situations than others. One reason for the gap between our ideal versus our actual level of adaptability is that it’s not an easy skill to learn, which is why it’s important to know the 10 characteristics that undermine your ability to adapt —both the negative traits and the positive characteristics. We’ll start with flexibility.

The first half of adaptability skills: Flexibility

High flexibility is characterized by these five attributes: “confident,” “tolerant,” “empathic,” “positive” and “respectful.” The first attribute, confidence, means that you believe in yourself ; you trust your own judgment and resourcefulness.

The second high-flexibility attribute is tolerance—that is, being open to accepting opinions and practices different from your own. We can easily think of people who are intolerant of others because of religious or political beliefs. Those intolerant folks may attract like-minded people, but they don’t gain the attention of a diverse audience.

Third is empathy. One root of the word empathy is pathos , which means “feeling” in Greek. Empathy is a term for deep feeling. It means, “I feel what you feel. I can put myself in your shoes.” Another word with the same root , sympathy, means merely acknowledging someone else’s feelings. It results in reactions such as kindness and pity, and it comes from the head. Empathy results in feeling the pain, joy and other emotions of the other person, and it comes from the heart.

The fourth high-flexibility attribute is positiveness. The Power of Positive Thinking , authored by the late Norman Vincent Peale, D.Div., has remained popular since its publication in 1952 because it contains such a universal truth: A positive attitude leads to positive events in your life.

And the fifth high-flexibility characteristic is respect for others. This is the sincere desire to understand, consider and accept other people’s choices, commitments and needs in relation to yours.

The other side of the adaptability coin is the negative traits that undermine your adaptability skills. If you recognize any of these in yourself, try to improve your adaptability by eliminating that negative tendency from your behavior.

Characteristics of negative flexibility

  • Rigidity: “It’s my way or the highway.”
  • Competition with others: “I’m smarter, prettier, etc., than you.”
  • Dissatisfaction: “No, I don’t like it this way. Why can’t we…”
  • Unapproachability: “Don’t bother me unless it’s worth my time and you agree with me.”
  • Difficulty with ambiguity: “Let’s nail this down right now.”

The second half of adaptability skills: Versatility

The five high-versatility traits are “resilience,” “vision,” “attentiveness,” “competence” and “self-correction.” Resilience means knowing how to overcome setbacks , barriers and limited resources. Mainly, it has to do with your emotional strength. Remember Raiders of the Lost Ark? Lawrence Kasdan’s hugely successful script was turned down multiple times before someone was willing to take a chance. How many cold calls that turn out to be, “No thank you,” can you bounce back from? If you keep on going until you succeed, that’s resilience.

Vision is the second high-versatility trait. I think it’s easy to see why someone who has the power to imagine, to be creative and to suggest alternatives may be more influential than someone who can’t.

Next is attentiveness. That means being aware of elements in the environment. This adaptability skill can be as simple as noticing when someone is getting bored, or sensing that now is not the right time to present your ideas. It’s knowing when to act and when not to act. It means paying attention to more than your own needs.

The fourth high-versatility trait is competence. Competence involves a problem-solving ability that goes beyond your specialty. If you don’t know how to answer a question or fix a problem, you can find someone who does. It means having a can-do attitude and following through on it.

And the fifth high-versatility trait is self-correction. That means that once you initiate a project, you ask for feedback and place high priority on problem-solving, not on being right. Having this adaptability skill means you’re able to see when you’ve developed a nonproductive pattern in your behavior. It’s being able to say, “I think this approach isn’t working. I’d better try something different.”

Characteristics of negative versatility

  • “Subjectivity”: “This is the way it looks to ME.”
  • “Bluntness”: “That’s a stupid idea!”
  • “Resistance to change”: “This is the way we’ve always done it.”
  • “Single-mindedness”: “It’s my goal and nothing else matters.”
  • “Unreasonable risk-taking”: “I’m going to jump; won’t you come with me?”

Developing your adaptability skills allows you to understand how different types of people would like to be treated. It does not mean imitating the other person’s behavior. It does mean adjusting your behavior to be more in line with the other person’s preferences. The effectively adaptable person meets other people’s needs as well as their own. They know how to negotiate relationships in a way that allows everyone to win. With adaptability you are practicing the spirit of “ the golden rule ,” which I call “the platinum rule,” and treating the other person the way you would want to be treated.

This article was originally published in June 2008 and was updated April 2023. Photo by Look Studio/Shutterstock

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Tony Alessandra

Speaker Tony Alessandra is originator of the behavior assessment style tool The Platinum Rule and author of C ollaborative Selling and The NEW Art of Managing People.

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Adaptability and flexibility

‌“Adaptability - Could you do three different jobs in as many years? Could you travel around the country on your own, working from a laptop? Could you fly out to Brussels to explain policy to our European Partners? A Fast Streamer never knows what might appear on their desk. You need to be able to deal with the unexpected and that which is beyond your experience.”

- Civil Service Fast Stream recruitment literature

What do recruiters want?

Recruiters want applicants to be able to demonstrate that they can adapt to changing circumstances and environments and take on board new ideas and concepts. They want people with the personal confidence to respond positively to change and new ways of working; people who are prepared to rise to the challenge of dealing with the unfamiliar and show they can cope with the new or unexpected.

  • “a positive ‘can do’ attitude and a willingness to grasp opportunities”
  • “We want you to demonstrate a dynamic approach”
  • “We’re after ambitious graduates who can respond with pace and energy to every issue they face...”
  • “We are looking for graduates who have the right attitude to change...”
  • “...respond positively to change and the challenges and opportunities it brings”

These quotes are all taken from recent graduate job adverts. As you can see, they don’t use the words ‘ adaptable ’ or ‘ flexible ’, but these recruiters are looking for candidates who have these qualities. They want candidates who can thrive in a culture of change and continuous improvement, and can be flexible in the way they work and think.

What makes a person adaptable / flexible?

When assessing adaptability and flexibility, recruiters may look for someone who can show:

  • Intellectual flexibility – keeping an open mind is important. You should be able to demonstrate that you can integrate new information and draw conclusions from it, and that you can switch from the detail to the big picture.
  • Receptiveness – particularly to change. Being able to respond with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to achieve targets and objectives is a key competency.
  • Creativity – actively seeking out new ways of doing things and having confidence to improvise or experiment.
  • Modification of behaviour –  you are able to adjust your style of working or method of approach to meet the needs of a situation or emergency.

Some people are naturally adaptable – in fact, they thrive on change and the unexpected and alter their routines as much as they can. However, if you are the kind of person who has a ‘to do’ list and doesn’t like it when something arises which isn’t on your list, then you aren’t naturally adaptable. You will, though, have learnt how to become adaptable and flexible through experience. You might even have the advantage over others as you will have used your planning and organising skills to change your behaviour. See also our section on initiative, problem solving and decision making as the skills are very similar.

Whatever your natural tendencies, you have to be able to prove to an employer that you can:

  • Look for positive ways to make changes work rather than identifying why change will not work (say " yes " rather than " no " as a first instinct)
  • Adapt to change and new ways of working quickly and easily
  • Make suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of changes
  • Show willingness to learn new methods, procedures, or techniques
  • Shift your priorities in response to the demands of a situation
  • Bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive attitude

How do you prove to a recruiter you have these skills?

You won't be shortlisted for that job by stating “I can adapt to situations” or “I am flexible in the way I work”, you have to prove it by giving appropriate examples . You can draw on situations like these to help you demonstrate your adaptability:

  • Living abroad as part of an exchange programme
  • Moving to this country to study
  • Balancing your study commitments with part-time work
  • Working or living with people of different ages and cultures
  • Work experience, particularly placements and internships
  • Voluntary work experience

Think of an example of when you have had to adapt to change or had to be flexible in a situation. Then use the STAR technique to describe it:

S - Define the Situation

T - Identify the Task

A - Describe your Action

R - Explain the Result

This technique is useful at all stages of the selection process so it is worthwhile getting to grips with it. Here’s an example:

Define the SITUATION:   (where were you; what were you doing? what was the context)

I initially applied to study Pharmacy at University, acting on my family’s advice. I knew I would have to achieve high grades in my A levels, particularly Chemistry, which is not one of my best subjects. Several of my friends were applying to Brighton University and I did too. I got an offer and made plans. However, I did not get the B grade I needed in Chemistry to be accepted onto the course.

Identify the TASK:  ( what was your aim? what was the problem?)

I had to re-think my future urgently. I could take up the offer of an alternative course at Brighton, see if I could get on a Pharmacy course elsewhere or reconsider my career. Whatever I decided, I had to be flexible as I knew my options were limited.

Describe the ACTION you took:  (be clear about what you did)

I decided that what I studied was more important than where I studied it. My favourite subject is biology and I enjoyed laboratory classes at school. After getting information from a careers advice helpline and doing some research, I decided to apply for Biomedical Sciences courses through Clearing. I drew up a shortlist of courses and arranged to visit three. I was most impressed by the course at Bradford and received an offer from them. I knew that moving to Bradford would be a challenge as my network of family and friends are all in the South.

Highlight the RESULT you achieved:  (what was the outcome of your actions, what did you achieve?)

I was, initially, very upset having to change my plans but I'm pleased I did as I am sure I have made the right decision. Moving to Bradford was hard initially but everyone is very friendly and I have got to know people from many different cultures as Bradford is so diverse, and I have particularly enjoyed this. I am also enjoying the course a lot and getting good marks. I have already decided I want a career in biomedical research and am planning to do a placement year.

To use the STAR technique effectively, remember:

  • You are the STAR of the story, so focus on your own actions, even if they were only a small part of a larger whole.
  • Tell a story and capture the interest of the reader. Include relevant details but don’t waffle.
  • Move seamlessly from the situation, through the task, to your actions, and finally to the result.

Adapting Your Examples

The example above, for instance, could easily be altered to prove your  problem-solving and decision making skills  and could form the basis of an example of  planning and organising . It is worthwhile spending time writing statements like this about all your experiences and then adapting them to match each recruiters’ specific requirements.

Practical help

We run regular  workshops  on employability skills, and you can book an appointment with one of our advisers to discuss how to improve your employability in relation to your career choices.

Further reading

  • Important Adaptability Skills for Workplace Success  on The Balance Careers
  • 'How Well Do You Handle Change? The Benefits of Being Adaptable' from Business.com
  • Flexibility  defined on Beetroot.com
  • The Definition of Adaptability in the Workplace on The Nest

Other relevant websites with general information on skills are:

  • Prospects  – features articles on skills and how to evidence them.
  • TARGETjobs  – has details on essential skills and competencies.

Flexibility in the Workplace

Introduction, customer service, productivity, nature of business, target customer market, work policies, works cited.

Flexibility in the workplace refers to a working schedule outside the normal working pattern that allows employers and the employees to organize suitable work arrangements about working conditions. The arrangements involve changes and variation of working hours, place of work, and finding an appropriate working means for the employee. Choo et al. hold that provision of flexible working conditions improves work-life balance, promotes employee performance, and commitment to the organization (23).

Organizational culture has significantly been the major contributor to the lack of flexibility in the workplace. Several factors shape the organizational culture that includes the nature of business, productivity, job policies, client, and customer needs. These factors promote fixed working patterns that involve regular working hours, fixed place of work, and a defined service delivery process that ultimately shape the organization’s work culture.

Evidently, there is no flexibility in the workplace because employers and employees have less autonomy of choosing and exercising a level of flexible working conditions. Therefore, this essay argues that customer service, the nature of business, productivity, target market, and work policies contribute to lack of flexibility in the workplace within organizations.

The variation in business activities within different organizations demand varied approaches to service delivery. Customer service focus on delivering business results through a well-maintained interpersonal relationship between employee and the organization’s target customer. Lee et al. state that the factors that contribute most to the establishment of close, satisfying customer relationships are affective variables that include face to face employee-customer experience, availability, and ease of access to organization’s products (3).

Customer service processes within an organization aim to influence productivity through enhanced client satisfaction leading to client retention and widening of customer market share. The organization’s target customers dictate business opportunities and greatly affect the flexibility of a workplace. One of the crucial factors that determine customer service experience for an organization is the primary business activity.

The central business activity of an organization directly dictates the need to provide a fixed desk or unit for employees, service delivery, and product sell point leading to lack of flexibility on the working conditions (Lee et al. 6). Additionally, the presence of a physical location for an organization attracts clients who find it more convenient to make an office or workplace visit to get a service. Thus, the promotion of customer satisfaction hinders the agility of working conditions.

In addition, the design of a physical location for an organization aims to guarantee and communicate the long-term plans and objectives of the organization to its customers, which significantly help to build customer trust, loyalty, and promote organization’s brand. The business-selling concept significantly influences the establishment and expansion of an organization, its continuity, and profitability while limiting workplace flexibility. Overall, the need to improve customer experience significantly influences organization’s demand for a physical location that reduces workplace flexibility while building trust, loyalty, and product brand that consequently enhances market niche.

Business productivity is a key factor in success in every organization. Organizations have adopted different strategies to monitor and evaluate both employee productivity and business performance. According to Alammar and Picardi, improvement of employee productivity directly influences the overall business performance of an organization (23). The productivity measures adopted by an organization in promoting employee performance and maintaining individual productivity involve close employee supervision, monitoring, and periodic appraisal schemes. Organizational managers prefer a business in a physical location for it ensures improved supervision standards for the employees.

Employees have different and varying individual behaviors. The need to maintain a disciplined team requires strict and constant monitoring of employee on daily routine work. Therefore, the physical business location provides organization managers with a close manager-employee workplace relationship, which significantly promotes employee supervision, discourages employee carelessness in spending work time in doing personal work, and promotes consistent employee productivity.

Additionally, the presence of all staff in a given business location is essential in promoting a close interpersonal relationship between employees and their managers. This aspect allows managers to get along well with employees and enable them to identify and help improve various weak points of employees in delivering their duties. Moreover, the inflexible business location provides managers with the appropriate environment and sufficient time to engage and discuss goal settings and continuous appraisal improvement strategies of employees.

The organization managers enjoy, through the presence of all staff in the same vicinity, the liberty to have frequent discussions and reviews of goals with employees at any given and stipulated time, and thus, it helps in maintaining a consistent performance (Lee at al. 5). Overall, the need to maintain an improved business performance requires constant and close monitoring of employees in an accessible setup, therefore, hindering workplace flexibility.

Some organizations provide business activities that involve selling products and services for direct customer consumption within the business premises, which calls for the presence of a physical business location. Factors that dictate the nature of business include customer convenience, diverse customer needs, and customer quality preference (Lee et al. 4). Organizations that provide direct consumer-choice products such as hotels and shopping malls limits employee flexibility of work due to the need to provide customers with instant products and services at the point of sale. Though clients have diverse needs, their behaviors dictate the consistent presence of employees within their working environment.

One aspect of concern is the changing shopping habits of customers in different working and home environments. Most customers have tight and busy schedules making them prefer convenience. This customer behavior pattern affects and shapes the processes that different organizations operate and offer their services.

In respect to this dynamic business environment, most organizations have championed the skill of fast, reliable, and convenient service delivery processes to venture into new markets, maintain, and retain their customers. These business processes significantly hinder flexibility in the workplace, as it requires a consistent presence of employees in the business and supply chain mechanism to ensure customer satisfaction and promote business performance.

Additionally, the rigid customer demand for certain standards of service and product quality has increasingly influenced the need for close employee supervision and continuous monitoring through appraisal schemes to ensure the improvement of the quality of service in the business industry (Choo et al. 7). In light of this factor of employee evaluation and quality improvement that influence customer attraction and retention, the working conditions in an organization demand the presence of a close supervisor-employee relationship. In essence, this factor of staff relationship promotes the need for organizations to have its employees within an office and physical business locations, resulting in a lack of flexible work conditions among staff.

Target market entails specifically identified beneficiaries of organization’s products within a market population. The on-demand economy and business operation professional line is a significant factor that determines the target customer of an organization and influences the nature of business establishment and location. Organizations have, therefore, adopted the establishment of central and outlet physical locations with premise employees to enhance coordination of customer needs, follow-up on complaints, and respond to customer distress at any given time (Alammar and Picardi 28).

In the transport industry, for example, the on-demand customer economy significantly influences the fixed presence of employees within their business locations to help enhance competitive advantage over their rivals. This operational requirement hinders employee autonomy of defining flexible business operation procedures, schedules, and mechanism.

Moreover, the line of professional service delivery under which the business operates determines the target customer needs and presence of service providers. This aspect of the professional line of business operation brings groups of individuals together for specific projects significant in promoting performance and operational success, as in the health and medical sector, and entertainment industries (Alammar and Picardi 27).

Thus on the target customer market, organizations are faced with the need to establish a working environment with inflexible working conditions that tie employees within the vicinity to provide the required knowledge and skills of service. These systems of organizational operations have fixed timelines that hinder the flexibility of employees working hours.

The corporate managers within an organization are responsible for structuring the policies that govern the short-term and long-term business activities. These principles guide the decisions that essentially influence the achievement of a rational outcome of business conduct. The codes of conduct apply to all employees to help limit biases and bring equity on work schedules thus deterring flexibility in the working environment. Alammar and Picardi argue that creation of a positive working environment is essential in enhancing job satisfaction among employees and has a direct positive effect in improving the organization’s overall performance (25).

Therefore, policy regulation in defining working environment is essential in formulating and enforcing the set principles and guidelines that direct the daily business activities within the organization. The principles include organization’s operation strategies and business processes. Organization managers whose fundamental task is to strengthen the control of pursuance of long-term goals set guidelines that bring organization’s staff within a given location to facilitate effective supervision, inter-employee support, and teamwork.

Additionally, the business managers have the task of continuous evaluation, monitoring, and control of business processes to ensure the business outcomes are in harmony with organization’s strategic goals. The concept of business processes limits employee decisions that can harm the operations (Choo et al. 28).

Thus, the limited employee decision-making capacity on process activities within the organization reduces employee flexibility to engage in other processes outside the laid down procedures that are may be helpful in enhancing efficiency, and thus, they limit their overall flexibility in the workplace. Moreover, as processes get set and the business objectives achieved, the managers too, in their busy schedules face fixed working conditions that deter their flexibility. Consequently, establishments of organization policies that govern routine processes and facilitate implementation of business strategies deter flexibility in the workplace among all employees in an organization set up.

Flexibility in the workplace refers to a working schedule outside of a normal working pattern that cut across management employees and other organization’s staff. In a workplace set up, several factors deter workplace flexibility. However, the aspect of organizational culture is significantly the major contributor to the lack of flexibility in the workplace. The factors that shape organizational culture include; the nature of the business, productivity, job policies, client, and customer needs. These factors promote fixed working patterns that involve regular working hours, fixed place of work, and defined service delivery process that ultimately shape the organization’s work culture. Thus, in conclusion, there is lack of flexibility in organization workplace.

Alammar, Ammar and Carrie Picardi. “Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction among an Organization’s Staff.” Global Journal of Management and Business Research: Administration and Management, vol. 16, no. 7, 2016, pp. 20-26.

Choo, Jasmine et al. “Flexible Working Arrangement towards Organizational Commitment and Work-family Conflict.” Studies in Asian Social Science, vol. 3 no. 1, 2016, pp. 21-36.

Lee, Yu-Cheng et al. “An Empirical Research on Customer Satisfaction Study: A Consideration of Different Levels of Performance.” SpringerPlus , vol. 5, no. 1, 2016, pp. 1-9.

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The Most Important Flexibility Skills (With Examples)

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Having flexibility skills means that you are able to adapt to any high-stress situation, and this is a skill most employers are looking for. Employers want to hire flexible employees because they are often more reliable and can overcome unexpected obstacles.

If you’re a job seeker wanting to impress any hiring manager with your flexibility skills, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll go over the most important flexibility skills, provide some examples of flexibility skills, and how to be more flexible at your job.

Key Takeaways:

Flexibility is a soft skill that is transferable between jobs which means you can continually improve and find it relevant across occupations.

The types of flexibility skills are individual flexibility, managerial flexibility, and company flexibility.

The best ways to be flexible at your job are to communicate values and goals, plan and set realistic expectations, and encourage feedback and diverse opinions.

The Most Important Flexibility Skills (with Examples)

What is professional flexibility?

The most important types of flexibility skills, examples of skills that complement flexibility, how to be flexible at your job, how to create a flexible work environment, benefits of workplace flexibility, how to show flexibility on a resume, final thoughts, the most important flexibility skills faq.

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Professional flexibility is the cooperative ability to adapt and manage change in the workplace. It takes commitment by both employers and employees to make sure their respective needs are met. Professional flexibility arises during this process.

For example, a company may offer a flexible schedule to its workers as long as they meet certain deadlines. Conversely, a company may ask for its workers to be prepared to work longer hours during busier periods.

Likewise, an employee may ask for a flexible office arrangement that allows them to work from home or say they are willing to learn new skills for a project.

Flexibility provides both organizations and individuals with paths to success . When done properly, flexibility leads to a positive and productive environment that makes everyone more robust to the demands of the modern economy.

Some important types of flexibility skills to have in the workplace are individual flexibility, managerial flexibility, and company flexibility. Here is a more detailed list of the most important flexibility skills:

Individual flexibility. As an employee, you will want to be flexible with the demands of your role . You will want to take an energized approach to change. What makes you flexible is that you are to adjust based on the needs of the situation. This requires focus and awareness of who else is involved in any given assignment.

Individual flexibility can mean that you are willing to take on extra work or it could mean you can easily adapt to changes in your schedule. It can also mean you take proactive steps to achieve your own goals, such as jumping on network opportunities when they appear.

Managerial flexibility. If supervisors are to expect flexibility in their employees, they must also exhibit flexibility themselves. Managerial flexibility requires strong emotional intelligence to understand the personal needs of the team. As a leader , you may need to adjust your requirements and how you approach delegating responsibilities.

For example, how you give feedback may differ based on the personalities of those involved. You may have one employee who benefits from direct feedback while another requires more diplomatic language. Flexible managers are better suited to expand teams and handle more important projects for companies.

Company flexibility. The workplace culture is determined by the company and this includes their philosophy on flexibility. Depending on the industry, there are varying degrees of flexibility a company may promote . In the end, a company will look to use flexibility as a way to increase productivity and engagement in their employees.

Companies that offer flexible schedules and remote working opportunities communicate to their employees that they are happy to make accommodations as long as the company’s goals are met. Some industries, such as software , can be more flexible, while others, such as food service , are more constrained by their environment.

Some people more than others find it easy to be flexible. This is important to consider when you are either applying or hiring for positions where flexibility is highly demanded. If you wonder whether you have a flexible personality , consider your relationship to the following skills:

Organization

You may think you are flexible, but if you are not organized , then over time, the requirements of adapting to change will leave you in a perpetual chaotic state that could lead to burnout.

Focus shifting

You don’t want to lose sight of goals, so you must be able to switch between tasks without losing sight of each goal. If you struggle in this area, consider using a planner to help you remember tasks.

Time management

It may sound counter-intuitive , but the better you manage time , the better you can account for changes in schedule and projects. If you understand your schedule, you understand how ready it is to adapt to change.

Accountability

In situations that ask for flexibility, you will be left withholding yourself, and possibly others, accountable to make sure that goals are still met. Flexibility combined with accountability leads to reliability which promotes success.
Flexibility can put stress on others, particularly those who prefer structure and order, so to succeed in a flexible environment, you want to be able to emotionally understand others who are affected.
Even fluid workplaces require strategy. Though you may be open to different and multiple paths, you should still have a general sense of where you are going and what the end should look like. Not all flexible work environments are created equal. It depends on the time and space required for your profession. Your flexibility may be better suited for environments that give you more control over your work. Or maybe, your flexibility does well in situations where it is demanded of you. In either case, your other skills will be needed to make the best of it.

To be flexible at your job, you should consider your strengths and weaknesses before you approach flexibility. Some of the most important steps you can take are:

Know your values. Whenever you are asked to adapt to a new situation you should consider how this change impacts your values. A successful employee, manager, or company will know that regardless of the changes, their values must stay intact for these provide direction in the pursuit of goals .

Be proactive. The best way to handle sudden change is to minimize the chances for it to appear. Proactivity provides you with a way to take care of responsibilities before they are affected by future events.

Be mindful. People do not like change, so when change occurs be aware of the emotions you experience at the moment. Accept these emotions as part of the experience, but don’t let them define your actions. Practice mindfulness exercises such as breathing and stretching to increase your awareness and acceptance.

Diversify your skill set. The more skills you have, the better equipped you will be to tackle sudden requirements. This includes both hard and soft skills. Flexibility means approaching situations creatively, and by having multiple skills you can apply the necessary ones that will help.

Be optimistic and resilient. Not all changes will be easy, but you should always keep a positive mindset. Professional flexibility is as much about the approach to change as it is about how the changes are handled. Look towards the end goal as motivation to strengthen your resolve during the most difficult changes.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to flexibility but these steps will need to be applied in most cases. As an individual you will first want to understand yourself, your strengths, and your limitations, to assess how you would handle changes.

By applying values, proactivity, mindfulness, diverse skills, optimism, and resilience, you can build a framework that is best for you.

To help build a flexible system around you, whether you are an employee or an employer, you should communicate your values and goals and set realistic expectations. Here are more ways to create a flexible work environment:

Communicate values and goals. Similar to your flexibility, structural flexibility requires an understanding between stakeholders of shared values and goals. This provides a base point from which changes will revolve around. Only changes that align with values and still reach goals should be approached with flexibility.

Plan and set realistic expectations . When pursuing a flexible work environment you should discuss ahead of time what that looks like. Everyone involved can share their expectations and agree on what is possible. When changes occur that require flexibility you can be more prepared for what is needed.

Encourage feedback and diverse opinions. A flexible environment should be one where you are open to change and that includes embracing suggestions from others. However, the tone should depend on the power dynamic of your professional relationships to maintain a cohesive chain of command.

Provide or pursue necessary resources. A flexible environment will not succeed if it does not contain the proper setup. For example, if people want to work from home, then everyone should have webcams and video chat tools as well as understand how they work. Likewise, a flexible schedule only works if resources are available at flexible times.

Being able to adapt to change and a positive impact on your mental health are some benefits of workplace flexibility. Here is more information on the benefits of workplace flexibility:

Ability to adapt to change. This makes you a more dependable worker. This in turn strengthens your standing and widens your career opportunities. It can also gain you the respect and trust of those who relied on your flexibility.

Mental health impact. If you take a positive approach to change, you can reframe challenges and keep your goals in mind. Every time you work on your professional flexibility, you gain skills that can be applied throughout your life.

A flexible workplace is a healthier workplace that meets the needs of its employees as much as its customers. Businesses that engage in flexibility for their employers see greater worker satisfaction which increases productivity and diminishes turnover. Combined with flexible schedules and remote opportunities, much is saved on administrative and overhead costs.

This creates a feedback loop where employees are more willing to meet the demands of their job. Flexible employees are better equipped to handle diverse customer personalities and requests. Flexible employees also will provide better service due to their engagement. Companies in turn will see greater growth and satisfaction from employees and customers alike.

Flexibility is a big buzzword in many job descriptions . If you find it in the summary or at the top of the list of required skills, you can assume that flexibility is highly valued. However, since flexibility is a soft skill, it can be difficult to show in your application. Make sure to provide specific experiences to highlight the skill on your application.

Give examples of proven experience on your resume in situations where your flexibility resulted in a measurable impact. Similarly, for your cover letter , tell a story of a time when your flexibility resulted in significant gains for yourself and your employer.

If you get an interview, be prepared for behavioral and situational questions that will challenge your approach to unexpected changes.

Flexibility is an important skill that will only be needed more in the future. Even if you think you have a good grasp, you may be surprised by new challenges that will make you reevaluate your agility. Don’t worry — you can always improve your flexibility. Take time throughout your career to stay agile. This will keep you at an advantage in any market.

How can you improve your flexibility skills?

To help improve your flexibility skills you should first accept that change is inevitable and try to develop confidence. When you accept that change can occur at any time, you are able to become more flexible. For example, your coworkers could quit at any time and a new employee can come in.

Having a confident mindset can help you be less stressed when there are changes. If you believe that you can complete a task effectively, you’ll be more likely to start it and complete it successfully.

What is flexibility?

Flexibility is the ability to adapt to change quickly and calmly. Being able to adapt this way will help you deal with unexpected problems or tasks effectively. Flexibility allows you to offer coworkers when needed or it will allow you to offer solutions to fix problems.

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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Steve Rose, PhD

How to be More Flexible In Life

i am flexible person essay

Written by Steve Rose

Suicide and mental health, 4 comments(s).

On the go? Listen to the audio version of the article here:

Many people find it difficult to be flexible in life. When unexpected situations arise, it is easy to feel frustrated, making you want to lash out. These rigid ways of being prevent you from getting what you want in the long term, increasing frustrations as you dwell on how things are not working the way you want.

Increasing your mental flexibility helps you stay calm in challenging situations, allowing you to cope with difficulties more effectively, and better navigate stressful situations to achieve desired outcomes. So how can you be more flexible in life?

Accept what you can’t change

Step back from your thoughts, focus on the present, see the bigger picture, live by your values, take some risks.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these areas of mental flexibility.

Table of Contents

The first step to being more mentally flexible is to accept the things that are outside your control. When living rigidly, you are stuck in your head, trying to control everything. Holding onto this sense of control is a false sense of security, causing more frustration.

Getting clear on the things that are outside our control requires a sense of acceptance. As written in the  Serenity Prayer :

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

When we can accept our limited ability to change an event, we can then let go of the anxieties and frustrations, fueling our need to cling to a false sense of control.

The practice of letting go takes courage and willingness to step into a sense of uncertainty. There is a vulnerability in uncertainty, but there is also serenity and freedom from unproductive thoughts.

Stepping back from your thoughts allows for more flexibility in life by giving you mental space. Rather than merely reacting to your mental chatter, creating space between your thoughts and actions will enable you to choose more effective ways to adapt to a situation.

For example, suppose a car cuts you off in traffic while speeding. Your initial thought might be that the person is selfish and immoral; therefore, they should be punished. This can lead to putting yourself in unnecessary danger.

Rather than merely reacting, taking a step back from your thoughts allows you to think of alternative scenarios. Perhaps the driver just got the news that a loved one is dying, and they are racing to the hospital. There are infinite possibilities, and we cannot know the “truth” at that exact moment.

We cannot control the other driver, so stepping back from our initial judgments creates the space necessary to move forward effectively.

Focusing on the past and future takes you away from your life in the present. Being more flexible in life requires developing a sense of present-moment awareness.

One way to do this is to bring your attention to the breath. You might also notice the sensation of your feet on the floor. You can then bring your attention to the sounds around you, curiously listening to the many layers.

Bringing your attention to physical sensations takes you out of your head and into the present since these sensations are occurring in the present moment. You are not thinking about your past breath or anticipating your future breath. It is an ever-present bodily rhythm you can tune into at any moment.

Focusing on the present builds behavioral flexibility since you can more appropriately respond to situational demands. For example, if a car cuts you off while you are lost in thought, you would be less able to respond and adapt to the situation safely.

Focusing on what is going on in the here and now allows you to notice relevant details, especially when things don’t go as expected.

It is easy to get caught up in thinking about how we are being perceived, having thoughts like, “How does my hair look? Did I wear the right clothes? Do I fit in?”. This leads to constant social comparison, leading to rigid ways of defining oneself: “I’m a failure, I’m a mess, I’m not enough.”

Rigid self-definitions cut us off from others, leading to rigid ways of being, for self-protection. Thinking you don’t belong causes you to retreat into avoidance patterns, preventing you from meeting your social needs and getting what you want in life.

Seeing the bigger picture gets you out of your head by bringing your attention to what others might be experiencing at that moment. For example, if you’re at a meeting at work, you can see the situation from two different perspectives: your own perspective, or the perspective of others; although the latter takes some imagination. 

From your perspective, you may start to wonder what everyone thinks of you, making you try to constantly manage their impression. Instead, try seeing the bigger picture and consider what each person might be experiencing at that moment. What might they be thinking or feeling? What do they want? How do they see one another?

You will likely realize other people are more focused on themselves than you. Seeing this bigger picture allows you to get out of the mental cage of rigid self-definition, leading to constant impression management.

This will allow you to genuinely connect with others, rather than being too preoccupied with yourself.

Getting clear on your values allows you to gain flexibility in life by giving you a sense of direction. Unlike goals, values provide an eternal sense of direction, despite obstacles.

For example, goals are like using a GPS to travel to a specific location. Values are like a compass pointing East. You never completely get to “East.” If an obstacle gets in your way, you can take a temporary detour, but you can adapt, reorienting yourself East when you get past the obstacle.

Values consist of ways of being, consisting of adverbs such as, lovingly, creatively, genuinely, excellently, and charitably. Having a clear understanding of your values allows you to reorient yourself toward what matters whenever you find yourself in a challenging situation, faced with difficult thoughts or painful emotions.

Taking reasonable risks allows you to act on your values, overcoming rigid mental barriers preventing you from moving forward toward a life of meaning and purpose.

Although this requires the courage to step out of old ineffective habits, it also requires creating new habits. Habits, routines, and common behavior patterns are not necessarily rigid unless you continue them after they are no longer useful. The ability to adapt to more effective habits allows you to move forward more efficiently.

Taking risks does not necessarily mean being reckless. Instead, it means gaining the necessary courage to continually step outside your comfort zone, in service of your values, so you can live the life you want.

These tips on being more flexible are based on the evidence-based psychotherapeutic practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

The six points shared above are based on the six processes of ACT. If you are a mental health practitioner or just interested in taking a deeper dive into these six areas, see my article,  How to Improve Psychological Flexibility .

In that comprehensive article, I delve into each process, sharing metaphors and practical exercises, in addition to sharing the psychological reasons why they work. If you are looking for even more tips and tricks, you can check out my article,  How to Stop Living in Your Head .

If you are suffering from prolonged anxious thoughts or depressed moods, it may be helpful to go beyond self-help methods and seek professional support.

Counseling can help by exploring your unique mental barriers, allowing you to develop coping skills to navigate your life flexibly. To learn more, see my article,  The Benefits of Counseling .

Fascinated by ideas? Check out my podcast:

Struggling with an addiction.

If you’re struggling with an addiction, it can be difficult to stop. Gaining short-term relief, at a long-term cost, you may start to wonder if it’s even worth it anymore. If you’re looking to make some changes, feel free to reach out. I offer individual addiction counselling to clients in the US and Canada. If you’re interested in learning more, you can send me a message here .

Other Mental Health Resources

If you are struggling with other mental health issues or are  looking for a specialist near you, use the Psychology Today therapist directory  here to find a practitioner who specializes in your area of concern.

If you require a lower-cost option, you can check out BetterHelp.com . It is one of the most flexible forms of online counseling.  Their main benefit is lower costs, high accessibility through their mobile app, and the ability to switch counselors quickly and easily, until you find the right fit.

*As an affiliate partner with Better Help, I receive a referral fee if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

As always, it is important to be critical when seeking help, since the quality of counselors are not consistent. If you are not feeling supported, it may be helpful to seek out another practitioner. I wrote an article on things to consider here .

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RecoveryWise

I enjoyed this post. The list is dead on. For me I would replace thoughts with feelings. For me the feelings come first, and sometimes that’s the problem.

Steve Rose

Thanks! And yes, the emotions are the most readily noticeable. In counselling, I’ve found it helpful to explore the thoughts that may be underlying the emotion, keeping it in place or rationalizing its existence.

Sakti

Nice. Great points.

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lots of small pictures of a person stretching in a room

I’m a fortysomething runner. Can I become a flexible person in a month?

Tired of being the loser who couldn’t touch her toes, I consulted the stretching experts for an easy-does-it entry into bendiness

“Woo, we tight!”

Wade Bryant is holding back a whistle. It’s clear he’s having a hard time concealing his opinion of my body’s bendiness – or lack thereof. When I first called Bryant, a former ballet dancer and flexibility coach to Lizzo and Cardi B, I had seen the pictures on his Instagram grid of clients with one leg pointed skyward or both legs wrenched apart in the splits.

As a fortysomething woman who has inflicted untold damage to her hips and hamstrings as a result of a sporadic running habit, not to mention ruined her back, hips and shoulders thanks to an all-hours writing habit, I fostered no illusion of turning into a human Gumby. But I was sick of feeling like a creaky loser every time I went to yoga class and watched in dismay as my fellow students’ palms melted into the floor during forward fold time. There had to be some room for improvement.

The author of the piece sitting and touching her toes.

Bryant’s methodology sounded too reasonable to be true. He didn’t want me strapping myself to any medieval torture device. “You’ll do five minutes a day, and then week by week you’ll add on another minute a day until you’re up to 10 minutes,” he told me when I called him. “We were taught to stretch before we play sports, but I say stretch while you’re putting on lotion, while you’re putting on your shirt, while you’re riding the subway and holding the pole.”

We worked out a plan: a month of daily stretching at home – or at a yoga studio, or his group classes – bookended by two private sessions with the man himself. So long as I put in the work, there’d be a before and after. Or so I hoped.

Consistency is king when it comes to flexibility training. Research shows that long-term change only comes about with constant care and feeding. One study showed that a full 30 seconds of a static stretch (no swinging or swaying, just staying in place), performed regularly, is needed to see changes in flexibility, and another study revealed that a five times a week commitment is what it takes to bring on long-term results.

The gains are not just about photogenic bragging rights. Flexibility can help prevent pain and injuries, reduce inflammation and improve one’s balance and posture. The findings of a recent study on mice even imply that stretching might even reduce the risk of cancer.

I don’t try anything at home until my first in-person session with Bryant. To give him a sense of what he’s working with, I demonstrate my version of a forward fold. The shape my body reaches is more of a right angle, my fingers grazing my middle shins, my back parallel to the floor. “My hamstrings hate me,” I grumble. Bryant has another diagnosis, and tells me that my troubles originate in my tight back and shoulders, both of which I have my laptop to blame for. I spend the next 40 minutes performing back stretches, executing cat-cows and pancaking my torso against the wall.

It isn’t until the end of the hour, when my back and shoulders are warmed up, that he suggests I retry the cursed forward fold. I am sceptical. We’ve done very little hamstring work. I have never been able to touch my toes. “Shift your weight into the ball of your feet,” he coaxes me. Miraculously, my hands find their way to the floor.

He sends me off with homework: five minutes a day of playing around with shoulder stretches, hip openers and a seated move that I label “the manspread”. So begins my month-long experiment in attaining the modicum of flexibility that has eluded me for most of my life.

Unfortunately, my hunch proves true: some of us really are luckier than others. “A lot of it is hereditary,” Ayla Donlin, a lecturer in the department of kinesiology at California State University, Long Beach, tells me. “Joint structure figures into it, and that often is hereditary. And age definitely plays a role. We are less flexible as we get older.”

Donlin is a 40-year-old former gymnast and dedicated exerciser, working out four to five times a week. She makes a point to “sprinkle in” rounds of static and dynamic stretches before and after her cardio and weight-training sessions. “Flexibility tends to get nudged to the back burner,” she says. “If we can sustain flexibility and mobility as we age, we’re going to be able to perform everyday movements more fluidly, and live more pain-free.”

Stretching feels good, having stretched feels better, and it’s cool to be able to organize your body into a funny pasta shape, but she says she does it mostly for mobility, flexibility’s superstar sibling. Donlin tells me to think of a dancer doing the splits. “That’s flexibility. Now think of a dancer doing a full kick or a leap in the air. That’s mobility!”

“I don’t even like the term flexibility – I prefer to think about mobility,” the Brooklyn yoga teacher Liz Migliaccio, who leads Taylor Swift-themed classes, tells me. “Flexibility is the ability of muscles to lengthen, but mobility comes from a more active point of view.”

While it’s possible to train your hamstrings to relax and open over the course of a single stretching session, mobility requires a longer-term commitment. “You do a hamstring stretch. Your muscles will be flexible within five minutes, but the next day you might not have that same range of motion,” Migliaccio explains.

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The flexibility v mobility dichotomy doesn’t make sense to me until I go to one of Migliaccio’s classes, and complete several rounds of aerobic stretches. Rather than asking us to hinge over and hold still, she has us fluctuate between standing and bent poses, changing our positions every five seconds. Migliaccio makes “swoosh” sounds as we alternate between a standing lunge and raising a knee towards our noses. It all requires balance, focus and exertion. Afterwards, I feel like a well oiled and ecstatic machine.

My at-home practice continues apace. I follow Bryant’s advice and incorporate stretches into my daily routine. I read the final 50 pages of a novel in lotus position, activating my hip flexors while I load up on my book club-ordained reading. At a morning meeting at work, I arrange my body into a figure four. A colleague looks very concerned and offers me his chair.

The author of the piece touching the floor

None of it is too arduous. “If you’re gentle, your muscles will respond. It’s better than pushing hard,” Nonna Gleyzer, a pilates teacher to the stars, tells me when we meet on a video call. A former member of the national Ukrainian rhythmic gymnastics team, she has worked with Gisele Bündchen and Natalie Portman and Kelly Rowland (“my masterpiece”). Despite my wonky camera angle, Gleyzer can tell that my right side is tighter than my left (Bryant had observed the same thing.)

She urges me to prop my seated body up on a pillow, and guides me through a series of gentle stretches, reaching my hands overhead and attempting to fold my torso over my legs. “Your nervous system gets scared. Your body should not be afraid,” she says, then coaches me through some hand-over-head side stretches and cat-cows.

The research conducted by Matthew Wyon, a professor of exercise physiology at University of Wolverhampton School of Sports, backs up Gleyzer’s claims. He conducted an experiment where he divided dancers into two groups; one performed moderate stretching, which he qualified as a five or six on a one to 10 intensity spectrum, while the other cohort committed to hardcore stretches that he qualified as an eight or nine. Do I need to tell you which group came in with better results?

“We often stretch too hard. And most often that causes our bodies to react, or protect ourselves against a stretch,” Wyon says. “Stretching at a low intensity actually allows our body’s muscles to properly relax. When we start pushing it really hard, the muscles start trembling and contract. That’s the body’s protective mechanism.”

Wyon, who makes a point to stretch throughout the day, and keeps a thick book under his desk for surreptitious calf work during Zoom calls, recommends that I be kind to my body as I go about my daily stretches. “Sometimes you say, ‘Oh, it doesn’t hurt – I’m not doing something right.’ Actually you are.”

Easy does it is also the prevailing ethos of Bryant’s group stretch class, which meets in a Garment District dance studio three times a week. Since he began devoting his time to flexibility training in 2020, Bryant has cultivated a clientele from a diverse range of zip codes and ages. The woman next to me, a 70-year-old yoga instructor, says that thanks to Bryant’s class, she is now grabbing her feet. The room is packed, but thankfully only a small portion of the students are able to pull off back walkovers and splits. Most of us are … only human. The atmosphere is more like an emotional support group than a 6am Equinox class. We take storytelling breaks, and women share their body-awakening stories and clap for one another. I never arrive at a shockingly bendy position, but when I head out I feel tingly and happy.

Despite my daily stretching sessions, a month into my experiment, I am still unable to fold my body like a piece of origami. At our final one-on-one, Bryant rates me a “two to three” on the flexibility spectrum – I haven’t changed much. The only surprising thing about this verdict is how little it bothers me. It’s unlikely I will ever be the sort of person who can fold over and kiss the ground. But at least I’ll be able to tie my shoes.

BOTTOM LINE

How much did it cost? $400

Did it work? It got me … trying. Which is a start?

Would I do it again? Yes. Stretching feels good, and it is good for you, even if you might not end up on Bryant’s Instagram grid.

Did it fix me? My body is still creaky and crunchy. But I now know that running without ever tending to my muscles isn’t the path forward.

Overall rating: Three out of five hands planted on the shellacked yoga studio floor.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Self Awareness — How to Be an Open Minded Person

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How to Be an Open Minded Person

  • Categories: Personality Self Assessment Self Awareness

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Words: 384 |

Published: Jun 5, 2019

Words: 384 | Page: 1 | 2 min read

Being open minded: essay

Works cited.

  • Chang, E. (2016). The power of an open mind. Journal of Positive Psychology, 11(5), 569-571.
  • Greene, J. D. (2013). Moral tribes: Emotion, reason, and the gap between us and them. Penguin Books.
  • Krumrei-Mancuso, E. J., & Rouse, S. V. (2016). Open-minded cognition: Measurement development, scale validation, and relationships with intellectual ability and thinking dispositions. Journal of Personality Assessment, 98(5), 518-528.
  • Mercier, H., & Sperber, D. (2017). The enigma of reason. Harvard University Press.
  • Mooney, C. (2012). The Republican brain: The science of why they deny science—and reality. Wiley.
  • Myers, D. G., & Twenge, J. M. (2013). Social psychology (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Stanovich, K. E. (2011). Rationality and the reflective mind. Oxford University Press.
  • Sternberg, R. J., & Davidson, J. E. (Eds.). (2003). Wisdom: Its nature, origins, and development. Cambridge University Press.
  • Vosburg, D., & Dykema-Engblade, A. (2018). Open-mindedness and intellectual humility : A literature review. Inquiries Journal, 10(06).
  • Welbourne, J. L., Eggerth, D., Hartley, T. A., Andrew, M. E., Sanchez, F., & Dykema, S. (2007). Flexibility at work: A summary of key findings and recommendations relating to the changing employment relationship. Human Resource Management Review, 17(1), 2-12.

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I Am A Friendly Person (Essay Sample) 2023

Table of Contents

I Am A Friendly Person

How Can I Get Essay For Free and Is it realistic to expect a low-cost, High-Quality Essay from a Cheap Paper Writing Service ?

Essay Writing

Most of my friends and family members recognize me as a kind, caring, and loving person. Mostly because I always do whatever I can when it comes to helping a friend, family member, or just any person. I believe that some people also think of me as not a flexible personality however I am really a pushover. I believe I can do anything for anybody only if they ask nicely. Yes, I am not perfect and I have made certain rules in life that I don’t exceed myself. This does not mean that most people should think of me as a person who cannot adapt to certain things. I am always open to change and welcome all inventions and innovations. I will always lend a hand to anyone in need. In this essay, I will explain why I think of myself as a loving, caring, and friendly person.

I Am A Friendly Person Sample Essay – 700 Word Long Essay

One thing my friends, family members, and even myself recognize about me is that I would always help a friend or relative in need. I always do whatever I can to make the other person comfortable. I don’t use words or commit actions that are offensive to people that surround me. I think these are the reasons why my fellow human beings have tagged me as a friendly person. I am very flexible in my thoughts and welcome all kinds of change and innovation in life. I can be stubborn sometimes, well we all do but overall I am never disrespectful to anyone around me. In this essay, I will explain why I think that I am a friendly person.

Making friends can be very difficult for some people, especially for introverts. They hate being in public and find many things wrong with people in general. However, as an extrovert, I enjoy going out, socializing, and talking to people to know more about them. I have never found it hard to interact with others, I am always looking forward to attending events where I can be with people whether they are friends or strangers. I am a friendly person because I love talking to people and knowing about their lives, I like helping people. I genuinely enjoy being surrounded by different people all the time and can’t stand loneliness for a longer period of time.

I have great pleasure talking with people and learning more about their lives. While some individuals are not interested in communicating with others, I actually love diverse conversations. I can strike conversations with strangers and I will feel happier in the process of making new friends. For me, great conversations are vital to having a happy life. As a result of these discourses, I feel like I am growing and evolving as a person. If I avoid talking to other people, I may have a very limited sense of what others are going through. Unlike other teenagers, I don’t like sitting all day playing computer games, watching TV, or using social media. I prefer chatting with people face to face where I can determine what they are going through. In my mind, there is a difference between learning by reading and learning by interacting. I appreciate and initiate dialogues that help me develop and enhance my skills of learning by interacting.

Besides great conversations, I am friendly because I enjoy helping people. By nature, I already like providing any kind of support to others whether it is emotional or physical. I am also a good listener and quick to lend a hand to my friends and family members. Furthermore, I extend the same practice to my friends and even strangers. I am the go-to person for organizing events and getting things done. At the same time, in my kind of work in the field of customer service, I practice goodwill all the time. I ask customers, co-workers, and my boss about their problems and offer solutions. I also give recommendations based on my own experience and what I learn from other people. I gain fulfillment in being able to give any form of assistance to other people. In other words, I am a friendly person who wants to improve the lives of people around me.

Finally, I am very flexible when it comes to accepting and welcoming new ideas and innovations. I am not a rigid person having rules in life that can be broken. I welcome all kinds of change and always adapt to my surroundings. I never say words or do actions that offend someone or hurt anyone’s feelings. Knowing people from different cultures and nations makes me happy. I know some people prefer to be alone and keep things to themselves but I can say I am different. When I am tired and feel drained, I reinvigorate myself by visiting family and friends. To be happy, I need to be with people.

Friendliness is my nature and my practice. I am friendly because I like to talk to people and make sure that they are doing well. Likewise, I love the feeling of being in the middle of an active lifestyle. The notice of interacting is a joyful rhythm to me. If there is one thing I like about being friendly, it is that I know that I am not alone. Because of my friendly nature, there is always some friend or family member around me to help me in my hard times. Life is always beautiful when you are friendly and welcoming to others around you.

Do You Think You Are A Friendly Person? 300 Word Short Essay Sample

Everyone wants to become a friendly person whom everyone likes and always wants to be around. Some people find it very hard and challenging to make new friends. The main reason behind this is that they are not as friendly as they should be. Friendly people are always surrounded by people who love and admire them. They know how to be positive in life which makes other people like them. My friends and family members also recognize me as a friendly person. I think it’s because I am always there for anyone who needs my help in anything. I am always happy to listen to people’s problems and give them solutions to their problems. In this short essay, I will discuss why I think that I am a friendly person.

Research papers have shown that people who welcome change, are good listeners, welcome change, and are always optimistic in life and friendly in nature. Most students believe that only being intelligent and physically active are key factors to be seen as a friendly person, which is not true. Being friendly is more related to your thinking and mentality towards other people. A friendly person can always have a conversation with anyone, any time. In the same way, one person who is friendly is always smiling, caring, and loving to other people around them.

Another thing about friendly people is that they are usually the givers and not takers. They just keep on giving love and care to others without caring about anything in return. I think I am a friendly person because I also have all the habits of friendly people that I mentioned above. My friends and family members always share their problems with me and value my advice. I listen to everyone and respect the opinion of all. I never try to harm people in any way and always look to spread positivity. I also have a habit of looking at the positive side of things and ignoring the negatives. I can even make friends with people on bus rides and air travel and some of them also keep in touch with me for a long time. These are all the reasons which make me a friendly and caring person.

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FAQ About I Am A Caring and Kind Person Essay Sample

How to describe a friendly person.

A friendly person is very loving, caring, and respectful. They are always ready to help and see the positive side in things.

Example Of A Friendly Person?

A friendly person would always do whatever he/she can in order to help the other person. They are always optimistic while living life and see the bright side of things.

i am flexible person essay

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  1. How to Be More Flexible

    You can try engaging in positive self-talk to get yourself through challenging tasks. Be more perceptive: Try to be more perceptive of others' thoughts and feelings. Most flexible thinkers are highly emotionally intelligent. Being able to gauge others' feelings will help you be more empathetic and considerate.

  2. The Key Qualities of Adaptable People

    Seven Innovative Qualities that Advance Adaptable People. Flexibility and the availability to adjust at any moment. Adaptable people can possess elastic-like energy, a willingness to bend and break habits, to challenge themselves when their circumstances change. They tend to face problems, pivot among distractions, and politely proceed forward.

  3. How Flexible Are You? 7 sample answers

    7 sample answers to "How flexible are you?" interview question. I am incredibly flexible, and ready to work at any time you need me here. I can even start tomorrow. The case is that I do not have a family yet, and I am not studying any longer. At this stage of my professional career I want to work a lot, gain experience, and build a solid ...

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    You can refer to this in your answer. Explain how you adapted to the new situation in the world, how you changed your routines. It clearly demonstrates that you shouldn't have a problem with constant changes in your new job…. See sample answers no. 5 and no. 7 for your inspiration.

  5. Psychological Flexibility and Mental Wellness

    Psychological flexibility means you can respond in a healthy way to different situations and people, and do so in a way that fits with your personal values. Being psychologically flexible helps ...

  6. The Importance of Flexibility in Life: [Essay Example], 687 words

    Flexibility contributes to resilience, fosters innovation, enhances relationships, and promotes overall well-being. In a world characterized by uncertainty, cultivating a flexible mindset is an investment in personal growth and the ability to navigate life's twists and turns with grace. This is only a sample.

  7. How to Say "I Am Flexible" in an Interview

    Here are some phrases you can use to express your flexibility: "I am adaptable and can quickly adjust to changing circumstances.". This statement highlights your ability to remain composed and thrive in dynamic and unpredictable situations. Emphasize that you can embrace change and integrate smoothly into new environments.

  8. How To Be Flexible at Work (With Tips and Examples)

    Being flexible can help you avoid being overwhelmed or stifled by change. You will also have an increased ability to direct your development and personal life rather than being a passive participant. Some of the benefits include: Adaptability to change. Managing the unexpected. Staying employed. Life satisfaction.

  9. How to Be Flexible in the Workplace

    And stretch yourself - get into the habit of trying new things instead of being stuck in a routine. 4. Be Optimistic. It can be difficult to stay positive when you know a large, urgent project is on the horizon. But, looking on the bright side and focusing on the positives will help you to stay resilient and focused.

  10. Adaptability Skills: 10 Traits to Be Flexible & Versatile

    The first half of adaptability skills: Flexibility. High flexibility is characterized by these five attributes: "confident," "tolerant," "empathic," "positive" and "respectful ...

  11. Adaptability and flexibility

    Receptiveness - particularly to change. Being able to respond with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to achieve targets and objectives is a key competency. Creativity - actively seeking out new ways of doing things and having confidence to improvise or experiment. Modification of behaviour - you are able to adjust ...

  12. 10 Interview Questions on Flexibility With Sample Answers

    Situation. Task. Action. Result. You can use this list of 10 example questions about your flexibility and sample STAR responses to help you prepare for your interview: 1. Describe a time where you showed flexibility. An employer might ask you this question to see how you adapt to different situations.

  13. Flexibility in the Workplace

    This essay argues that customer service, the nature of business, productivity, target market, and work policies contribute to lack of flexibility in the workplace. ... Choo, Jasmine et al. "Flexible Working Arrangement towards Organizational Commitment and Work-family Conflict." Studies in Asian Social Science, vol. 3 no. 1, 2016, pp. 21-36.

  14. The Most Important Flexibility Skills (With Examples)

    Here is a more detailed list of the most important flexibility skills: Individual flexibility. As an employee, you will want to be flexible with the demands of your role. You will want to take an energized approach to change. What makes you flexible is that you are to adjust based on the needs of the situation.

  15. How to be More Flexible In Life

    Focus on the present. Focusing on the past and future takes you away from your life in the present. Being more flexible in life requires developing a sense of present-moment awareness. One way to do this is to bring your attention to the breath. You might also notice the sensation of your feet on the floor.

  16. 10 flexible example interview questions with sample answers

    Flexibility is the ability to adapt to specific changes or a new environment in a short time. Employers ask different questions to evaluate a candidate's flexibility skills, such as perseverance, cultural sensitivity, mental resilience, personal adaptability, intellectual flexibility, change management, emotional intelligence, receptiveness and creative thinking.

  17. 50 "I Am" Statements to Describe Yourself

    Here are 50 "I am" statements that can be used to describe oneself: 1. I am passionate about making a positive impact on the world. 2. I am driven by my ambition and strive for excellence in whatever I do. 3. I am a creative problem solver who loves learning new things and finding innovative solutions. 4. I am a great listener and an excellent ...

  18. I am a hard working flexible and reliable person, who learns quickly

    I am a hard working flexible and reliable person, who learns quickly. to undertake any task given me. I enjoy meeting people and work well as part. responsibility. I have a professional approach to the workplace and am. committed to training and development to help me fulfil my job role. levels.

  19. I'm a fortysomething runner. Can I become a flexible person in a month

    Flexibility is about more than just bragging rights. It can help prevent pain and injuries, reduce inflammation and improve one's balance and posture.

  20. How to Be an Open Minded Person: [Essay Example], 384 words

    An open mind person does not unduly fortify himself/herself from outside influences - he/she permeable to seemingly incompatible foreign ideas and notions. Openness is not weakness, in fact, only a strong mind can be open, probably not strong but elegant. Embrace something new is completely foreign to us. Close minded people are famous for ...

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  22. I Am A Friendly Person Essay Sample 2023

    I Am A Friendly Person Sample Essay - 700 Word Long Essay. One thing my friends, family members, and even myself recognize about me is that I would always help a friend or relative in need. I always do whatever I can to make the other person comfortable. I don't use words or commit actions that are offensive to people that surround me.

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