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How to Be Flexible in the Workplace

Responding to change quickly and positively.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

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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Careernet Consulting

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?

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

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.

• Tony Alessandra https://www.success.com/author/tony-alessandra/ 7 Qualities of the Most Charming People
• Tony Alessandra https://www.success.com/author/tony-alessandra/ 4 Phases of Building a Team That Embraces Personality and Individual Differences
• Tony Alessandra https://www.success.com/author/tony-alessandra/ The Skill You’ve Always Wanted: How to Instantly Read People

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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.

Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.

12 Best Adaptability Skills Examples (A to Z List)

Adaptable examples include: being flexible to changing circumstances, rising to new challenges, and changing your actions when doing teamwork with coworkers to ensure the success of a project.

People with adaptability skills are flexible and willing to change with changing circumstances.

The soft skill of adaptability is hugely important for employability. People who are adaptable will have the  flexibility  to change with changing industries, react to  feedback  from their boss, and work well in teams.

So, in an interview or cover letter, you may be asked how to demonstrate adaptability and  flexibility . Below are some examples of how to be adaptable.

Examples of Being Adaptable

1. having a back-up plan.

To improve your adaptability, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan.

This way, you can quickly implement your backup plan when changes occur.

For example, if you have a presentation that you need to give on a computer, be prepared to present without technology if the technology fails.

Without this plan, you won’t be able to adapt to the change in circumstances. But with the backup plan, you can still go into the presentation and do an excellent job. Plus, it would improve people even more that you managed to complete the presentation under pressure.

2. Changing a Meeting Time

The simplest way to demonstrate adaptability is to be okay with small and manageable changes.

For example, if your potential employer changes the interview time, show that you can handle the change and be able to meet the new time.

This shows that you’re the sort of flexible and adaptable employee that a boss is looking for. Your workplace will be dynamic and changes like a changed meeting time will happen all the time.

3. Accepting New Technologies Quickly

New technologies entering an industry can be disruptors. We need to either adapt or our competitors will have an advantage.

As an employee, your boss might give you new software to work on and you need to be able to take it and use it effectively.

Demonstrating your ability with technologies can give you an edge in an interview process. It can show that you’re tech savvy and able to handle the tech changes that might be coming to your office in the coming years.

Related: Resilience Examples

4. Work-from-Home and Flexible Work Arrangements

With the rise of work-from-home, many employers want to know how you’d be able to handle big work conditions like this.

You may even have an example of when you had to do this. You might have had to purchase a webcam, learn to set personal accountability around being at the computer at a certain time of the morning, and learn to communicate differently via online video conferences.

5. Changing your Habits and Procedures

Many employers worry about hiring someone who is set in their ways.

The employer wants you to be able to adapt to the new workplace rather than bringing your old processes with you.

There’s a good chance your old job did things a little differently to your new one. Your boss might worry that you’re going to bring old habits from the old job into this new one.

So, demonstrate an understanding that all workplaces have their own workplace cultures and ways of doing things, and that you see your job as being able to react to those changes and adapt appropriately while keeping up a positive attitude .

6. Applying Feedback Given by a Boss

Every time you start a new job, there is a learning curve. You need to be able to get over that learning curve by adapting to the feedback given.

Your boss (or even teacher) might give you feedback on your work performance in the first few weeks. It’s your job to take that information and make changes based on it.

In a job interview, it can be a good idea to demonstrate enthusiasm to learn from your supervisors. This can show that you’re not going to be stuck in your ways, but in fact, will adapt to the training that is provided.

7. Being a Team Player

Sometimes, being adaptable means being a team player .

You won’t always get your own way when working in teams. You’ll have to do things in ways you wouldn’t have done them if you were doing it alone.

But many workplaces need people who are team players . They will expect you to be able to work in your team to get things done. This means making changes when your team members want you to and compromising with your team members to come to agreements.

To demonstrate your adaptability in a job interview, you could talk about how you like to work in teams and learn from the team. Discuss how teams might have changed your perspectives in the past, allowing you to improve how you do things.

8. Being Calm Under Pressure

Adaptable people need to be calm under pressure.

When pressure arises, some people would stand there like a deer in headlights, feeling confused and unsure what to do next.

Others might react by quickly thinking-up ways to tackle the problem they’re faced with and respond.

Pressure is often caused by changes and adaptability is the ability to react to those changes in order to secure success in changing contexts.

9. Being Willing to Try Out Other People’s Ideas

Trying out other people’s ideas shows your ability to be adaptable to the input of others.

Sometimes a boss, team member or colleague will give you an idea on how to change up how you do things.

Some people, especially employees who have been in a position for too long, might be resistant to the idea of changing what they do. They might think that their way is the best, or that there’s no reason to make a change.

Others might see the idea of someone else as a chance to adapt and improve. As a new employee, you usually want to be the one who is willing to adapt and try things out rather than coming into the new workplace and ignoring the ideas of your new colleagues.

10. Thinking Quickly to Solve Problems that Arise

Adaptable people need to think quickly on their feet.

This is the ultimate way of showing your adaptability skills. When something happens that causes a change, how will you respond?

Often, this has a lot to do with your experience in the task, job, or industry. An experienced teacher, for example, will adapt quickly when they realize the lesson they planned is too hard for their students. An inexperienced teacher might not know how to adapt and be unable to change their teaching.

11. Using Ongoing Formative Assessments for Course Correction

Ongoing formative assessment allows you to make changes throughout a project to ensure it succeeds.

Formative assessment is the act of assessing things part-way through rather than only at the end. The simplest example is a pop quiz a teacher gives in class.

But you can use these formative assessments on yourself. Look at how well you’re doing at aiming for a goal. If you feel adjustments need to be made, you’ll need to make them, so you make sure you stay on your path to success.

We could call these small changes “course corrections”.

12. Taking Shifts at Short Notice

If you work in shift work, your employer might want to make sure you can take up a shift at short notice. This can help with the smooth operation of the workplace and ensure you’re a good team player.

Your colleagues will also be very appreciative of you if you can take shifts if they are sick or something comes up in their private lives.

How to Improve your adaptability Skills

The following soft skills are important for adaptable people:

• Work on your Problem-Solving Skills: People with good problem-solving skills can use creative thinking to respond to new things that they come across. They might work with coworkers to think about new ways to address new problems in order to overcome obstacles at work.
• Work on your Communication Skills : Listen to others, learn why they need you to be flexible, and learn from their advice. One great first step is to use active listening by looking people in the eye when listening, nodding when appropriate, and repeating what they said back to them.

FAQs about Adaptability Skills

How can you be adaptable in the workplace.

Being adaptable in the workplace means being able to change to changing conditions. An employee needs to adapt when they get a new project brief, a new boss, or when new technologies are introduced. An adaptable employee is one that is primarily flexible and capable of reacting to changes to make sure they can satisfactorily complete their projects on time.

How can you be an adaptable student?

Being an adaptable student means being able to respond to a teacher’s feedback, make changes to how you complete your projects, and compromise with teams on group projects. The goal of an adaptable student should be to take on advice and support to improve how you learn so you can get the best personal results possible.

How do you adapt to change?

Some ways you can adapt to change include:

• Having a backup plan for when unforeseen changes occur.
• Always assessing what’s going on to identify opportunities for change.
• Looking for feedback on ways to improve at your habits and processes.
• Doing ongoing professional learning so you’re aware of changes in your industry.
• Working within teams to identify solutions to problems, then implementing those solutions.

What are traits of adaptable people?

Adaptable people have the following traits:

• They’re flexible
• They’re calm under pressure
• They think quickly
• They think several steps ahead
• They assess situations and identify threats
• They are ongoing lifelong learnings

Related Required Skills For Students And Employees

Here are some other skills you might need to be able to demonstrate as a successful employee or college student:

• Examples of Honesty
• Examples of Talents
• Examples of Integrity
• Proactive Examples
• Adaptable Examples
• Types of Skills
• Skills for Teachers
• Soft Skills for Teachers
• Examples of Patience
• Morals Examples
• Persistence Examples
• Passionate Examples

Adaptable people are in high demand in workplaces of the 21 st Century. They are people who employers want because they’ll be able to keep a workplace at the forefront of changes within their field.

Demonstrate your adaptability in job applications, a cover letter, and interviews by giving examples of ways you have been adaptable in the past. The best examples of adaptability are ones that demonstrate your skills in being both proactive about foreseeing change, and reacting to changes when they occur.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
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Think Different: 10 Ideas for More Mental Flexibility

Mental flexibility can spark your creativity and boost your productivity..

Posted June 1, 2022 | Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster

• A preference for routine or spontaneity is part of one's temperament.
• Cultivating your mental flexibility can increase your productivity and creativity.
• Deliberately increasing mental flexibility entails deciding why you want to change, using encouraging self-talk, and getting support.

“Go with the flow.” This simple motto sounds easy to follow, doesn’t it? But I’ve never found it to be easy. I’m one of those people who prefers helpful routines and habits.

I even consider my routines liberating, not confining. For example, I follow the same pleasant work routine, Monday through Friday, with minimal variation. I even wrote a book about habits and routines, so I've lived my ideas in more ways than one.

This preference for “consistent daily routines as opposed to more spontaneity is part of temperament,” wrote Psychology Today blogger Alice Boyes in her new book, Stress -Free Productivity . And routines have numerous advantages. Because you follow them on automatic pilot, you need less willpower , enabling you to be consistently productive, she points out.

And yet habits alone might not be enough to guide you toward productive work—work that is meaningful to you or others. As Boyes notes, too much routine can sometimes crowd out novel experiences that can stimulate creative thinking . It can also lead to a mental rigidity that keeps you from refreshing yourself with what I call “the 3 Rs:” rest, recreation, and relationships.

So lately, I’ve opened myself to responding to life with more mental flexibility. Surprisingly, I’m getting a lot of satisfaction from pivoting (gracefully, I hope) from what I thought I would do to something different.

Flexibility is particularly useful when nothing is predictable—like during a pandemic. I foresee that it will also help me bounce back from aging challenges . While I don't intend to change my helpful routines, approaching life with a more open attitude does bring its rewards.

What Is Psychological Flexibility?

When I refer to “flexibility," I am not referring to a complicated yoga position but to “mental flexibility” or "psychological flexibility"—the ability to size up and adapt to an unexpected or difficult situation and take action while keeping your goals and values in mind.

Psychological flexibility is a core goal of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy , from which I adapted my definition. ACT therapists consider mental flexibility a major route to a rich and meaningful life.

Below I’ll share key benefits of psychological flexibility, some from research and some from personal discoveries. Since I think you will want to benefit from greater mental flexibility, I'll then offer 10 suggestions for acquiring more of it.

The Benefits of Psychological Flexibility

Numerous research studies describe the benefits of flexibility, whether at work, in relationships, or in mental health. I'll explain a few. With mental flexibility, you can do the following:

• Boost your brainpower. Mental challenges that require psychological flexibility can help clear away “ brain fog ,” according to the June 2022 Harvard Women’s Health Watch newsletter, and help compensate for declining memory . Even simple variations of your routine, such as taking a different path through the grocery store, can help your brain.
• Adapt to setbacks. According to this study, psychological flexibility can help you adapt to setbacks in your working environment.
• Reduce stress. Mental flexibility can reduce stress. Knowing you have the power to pivot counters feeling overwhelmed, whereas “… people who are psychologically inflexible are more likely to experience distress than those who maintain a more open approach to life,” as noted in this post by Psychology Today blogger Susan Krauss Whitbourne.
• Get a burst of energy. Mental flexibility can be energizing. When you knock off a problem that’s suddenly popped up, you can’t help but feel stronger and more purposeful.
• Get creative . Mental flexibility adds to your creative problem-solving ability, as suggested by Boyes. You could argue that mental flexibility IS creative problem-solving. In addition, when you see that there are many paths to the same goal, you are more likely to find one that leads to your destination.
• Help your relationships . Mental flexibility contributes to better relationships in numerous ways—making time for others, being able to compromise, and seeing another person’s point of view, for three.

10 Suggestions for More Psychological Flexibility

Everyone changes in their own way, so pick and choose among the suggestions below. Some will work for you; others might not fit your personality . Suggestions:

• Decide that you want to approach life with a more open mind. Research strongly suggests that the first step toward successful change is deciding that you want to change, simple as that may sound.
• Decide why you want to change. To find your most compelling reasons for change, you could review the benefits above. Or just take a shortcut and try suggestion three below.
• Instead of thinking of obstacles as “problems ,” tell yourself they are “opportunities” or “challenges.” This simple tweak to your self-talk creates a more flexible outlook instantly.
• Reframe flexibility in a way that jibes with your values. For example, I value “creativity,” so thinking of problems and setbacks as creative challenges reframes the situation positively for me.
• Make it fun. Tell yourself, “It’s not an inconvenience; it’s a surprise.”
• Do the opposite of what you planned. Making a left turn onto a busy four-lane road is impossible at times. One day I decided to turn right instead and either take a different route or double back. This novel experience seemed to delight my brain—I found myself smiling with glee. I still get a big kick out of this small tweak to my usual driving habits. Along the same lines, I’ve noticed that taking my usual walk, but in reverse, also stimulates my brain because I notice a whole new set of details.
• Stop working when your brain gets tied up in knots. Instead of doggedly continuing with your project, Boyes suggests this research-backed tip: Take a break, even for five minutes. Your brain will continue to work in the background and is more likely to develop a creative solution. (See other reasons to take a break here .)
• Apologize . Yes, saying a sincere “I’m sorry” or “I was wrong” is a great way to cultivate mental flexibility. When you’ve put your foot in your mouth and can skillfully remove it, you are flexible indeed.
• Use encouraging self-talk. Notice when you’ve been flexible, and give yourself an inner compliment.
• Get support. Finding someone to help you with a problem can expand your mindset. You'll learn a different point of view.

Remember, you don’t have to choose between routine or flexibility. It's not an either-or question. Rather, find the right mix of routine and flexibility for you. If you have routines that help you achieve your goals, keep them going; use your flexible mental outlook to adapt to change.

Bottom line: Even if, like me, you generally prefer routines, knowing that you can be psychologically flexible when necessary is both reassuring and empowering.

© Meg Selig, 2022. All rights reserved.

Boyes, A. (2022). Stress-Free Productivity . New York: TarcherPerigee, p. 10-11.

*Selig, M. (2009). Changepower! 37 Secrets to Habit Change Success. New York: Routledge.

Harris, R. (2008). The Happiness Trap. Boulder, CO: Shambhala.

Meg Selig is the author of Changepower! 37 Secrets to Habit Change Success .

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Adaptation — The Importance of Flexibility in Life

The Importance of Flexibility in Life

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What is flexibility in the workplace?

Flexibility is a measure of how well we deal with the unexpected. here’s how to foster it in your workplace.

Flexibility in the workplace means being able to quickly adapt to new circumstances as they arise. An employee who is flexible can change their plans to navigate or overcome unanticipated obstacles. An employer can encourage this way of thinking by giving employees the freedom to choose how they work—including their own schedules and work locations, things that can be supported by flexible offices . 

This is especially important in fast-moving and dynamic industries, where the ability to respond to unpredictable events and changing expectations is a valuable asset for employers and employees alike.

If the events of the past year have taught us anything about how and where we work , it’s that fostering an ability to deal with unexpected situations has benefits in all facets of our lives—the professional and personal. In this article, we’ll look at how to become a more flexible person, the importance of flexibility in teamwork , and some of the advantages of introducing flexibility to your workplace.

Workplace flexibility for employees

How to be flexible in the workplace.

What does it mean to be flexible? It can look like an intrinsic personality trait from the outside, but in truth, being flexible is all about preparation and accepting that things will change. While it’s impossible to expect the unexpected, you can still anticipate new developments before they happen and have a plan of action ready to meet the occasion. Some personal developments can be seen coming over the horizon, such as a new baby or a move to a new house. The impact of these events can be thought about long before they happen.

But over a long stretch of time, surprises become inevitable: a project might suddenly fall to pieces after months of hard work, or you might lose your biggest client. But by accepting that unpredictable things will happen, you’ll at least find yourself in the correct mindset to react to them. A sudden change can be stressful, but that stress is exacerbated by the sense that you’ve lost control. By bracing yourself for unanticipated outcomes, you can better retain control over the situation and better position yourself to deal with the fallout. 

Benefits of being flexible at work

Flexibility is an important tool in problem-solving. Projects with many moving parts are more manageable when working with flexible team members whose skill sets overlap , and being adaptable to sudden changes means you can react to new conditions without slowing down or becoming stressed. An ability to reshape your role within a team so that you can more easily meet your objectives means you can evolve and grow alongside your company, no matter your job description. Flexibility in business is an asset to most employers, and workers who readily demonstrate their ability to intelligently respond to a changing environment are highly valued.

More importantly, being flexible in the workplace has the added side effect of making you happier in other areas of your life. When you’re less anxious at the office, you’re more able to achieve a healthy work-life balance . An openness to change exposes you to new experiences and new ideas, and could set you off on career paths you hadn’t previously considered.

Skills for becoming flexible at work

Flexibility isn’t wizardry—it’s a skill that can be learned. Practice the skills required to help you become more flexible in the workplace, so that when you encounter an obstacle at work, you’ll have the tools you need to deal with it calmly and effectively. The skills required to achieve flexibility will differ depending on the type of work you do, but here are some general tips to bear in mind.

• Make time in your schedule to stay up to date with the latest trends in your industry. It’s easy to fall into a routine and close yourself off to fresh ideas, especially when you’re a veteran in your field. Pay attention to trends and follow the work of those who are just entering the industry. Study the competition and stay curious about new research and ways of working , especially if these ideas contrast with your way of doing things.
• Practice optimism. When faced with a problem you hadn’t accounted for, it’s natural to focus on the setback rather than the solution. Instead, try to see the potential benefits of a change of plans and aim to respond with positivity. Recognize the impact an unexpected event might have on a task but prioritize the search for an answer to the problem. This is especially important when working in teams, where a defeatist or inflexible attitude can have a disastrous effect on morale.
• Communicate your expectations. Flexibility cuts both ways, and you become way less effective at overcoming problems when you’re not striking a decent work-life balance. If your daily commute is causing anxiety, or maybe you’re finding it difficult to deal with the distractions of working from home , communicate your need for a better solution. This could mean arriving later or working at a dedicated coworking space nearby. 

How to demonstrate your flexibility at work

When you’re part of a team that’s willing to help one another out in a tight situation, you’re better equipped to demonstrate flexibility when challenging conditions arise. Create a supportive working environment by offering to assist colleagues when you’ve got the bandwidth to do so. Some examples include taking on some of their tasks, covering a shift, or training them on a system they’re unfamiliar with. This fosters a sense of unity and mutual support within the team, which in turn will encourage your colleagues to help you out when an unanticipated problem lands in your inbox.

During meetings and over email, offer solutions rather than complaints. We have a natural tendency to respond emotionally when circumstances suddenly change for the worse, but this can be destructive. Take a moment to collect your thoughts and then present a few different ideas for overcoming the obstacle. Not voicing your feelings as soon as they arise doesn’t mean your concerns aren’t legitimate, but it’s always best to raise them in a more productive context.

Workplace flexibility for employers

How to know if you have a flexible workplace.

A flexible mindset is an attitude that responds well to change. A flexible workplace is an environment that encourages that kind of mindset. The working patterns of flexible employees can fall outside traditional office hours, locations, or job responsibilities. The most basic form of flexible working can be as straightforward as choosing your own start and finish times. But a flexible workplace can also involve novel employment arrangements such as job sharing, remote working, and condensed workweeks.

For employees, the freedom to choose how, where, and when they work has a measurable impact on job satisfaction and productivity. Being able to shape their workday around personal obligations—like dropping the kids off at school or waiting for an important delivery—allows them to strike a healthier work-life balance and to direct their energy toward where it’s needed most.

Benefits of having a flexible workplace

Historically, some bosses have feared that a move away from the usual 9-to-5 would harm business. But studies into flexibility in the workplace show the opposite. When telecom giant Vodafone shifted to an agile working strategy, it saw an increase in productivity and employee engagement. A study by Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom of 16,000 workers found that those who were able to work remotely reported higher job satisfaction and took fewer sick days than their office-based colleagues.

Offering flexibility in the workplace also helps to attract and retain talent. There’s growing demand among younger workers for a less rigid work schedule. Research by Capability Jane found that 92 percent of millennials identify flexibility as their top priority when looking for a job. The same is true at the other end of the workforce, where more than half of over-50s want to ease into their retirement by working flexibly with fewer hours.

Give workers the latitude to approach objectives in their own ways and they will be able to unleash their creativity . Any creative person can tell you that inspiration strikes at the strangest times. Some people do their best work before breakfast, others in the middle of the night. By giving employees the freedom to manage their own schedules rather than compelling them to be at their desk by a certain time, they can more effectively harness their creative energy.

Introducing a flexible working policy can help with overhead too. With fewer employees required to be in the office at any given time, you can cut down on empty office space you no longer need, reducing the cost of your lease. 

Ways to increase flexibility in the workplace  

There are many ways to incorporate more flexibility into your company culture. It might not be realistic to transition to a totally flexible schedule or to get rid of everyone’s assigned desks, but you can take these small steps toward a less rigid, happier, and more productive workplace.

• Start a discussion about flexible working. Figure out what kind of flexible arrangements your employees actually want and be realistic about what you can offer. Large offices with interdependent departments might not be able to accommodate huge changes in working hours, for example, but they may be able to allow remote working, more paid time off, or a four-day workweek.
• Be clear in your business objectives. A flexible workplace is built around trusting teams to approach objectives in their own way and on their own schedule, so it’s important that goals and deadlines are communicated clearly and understood by all.
• Encourage creativity. Create a supportive environment in which workers are unafraid to share new ideas. A workplace that promotes creativity and lateral thinking is better equipped to navigate complicated problems when they arise.
• Reconfigure the office layout. Flexibility isn’t just an attitude—it extends to the physical layout of the workspace. Provide teams with different areas of the office to work , such as standing desks in quiet corners and common areas where people can come together to collaborate.

How your office space can impact work flexibility

Whether you realize it not, the design of your office space reinforces certain ideas about how your company is run. There are subtle hierarchies in traditional open-plan layouts, from the sightlines of desks to the literal walls between departments. The way we work is changing, but the places we work often still reflect ideas of the past. 

A truly flexible workplace requires trust between employers and employees, and the autonomy to choose where and when we do our best work. That means reshaping the physical office to meet these new criteria. A more flexible office leads to a more agile business—one that promotes collaboration and creativity and is better able to navigate the unexpected.

How WeWork can help grow your business’s flexibility

WeWork offices are designed with flexibility in mind . Whether you’re looking for a dedicated workspace for a rotating team, or an office that can quickly scale to fit as many or as few people as required, WeWork provides beautifully designed , adaptable workspaces when and where your company needs it. 

For even greater flexibility, WeWork All Access and On Demand let you and your employees access workspaces and meeting rooms in hundreds of locations across multiple cities. This allows everyone to work wherever is most convenient for them, creating ultimate flexibility in the workplace. 

Related articles

Steve Hogarty is a writer and journalist based in London. He is the travel editor of City AM newspaper and the deputy editor of City AM Magazine , where his work focuses on technology, travel, and entertainment.

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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.

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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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.

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 : What if I told you that you can practice your answers to ALL tricky behavioral interview questions, getting an immediate feedback from a life-like AI interview coach ? And that you can start for free , and it is a lot of fun too? 🙂 Check out this page on our partner website , Real Mock Interviews, pick a question and start practicing for free , either with your mobile phone or your computer.

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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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.

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.

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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Psychological Flexibility

What It Means and Why It's Important

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Characteristics of Flexibility

Why flexibility is important to mental health.

• How to Stay Flexible

Frequently Asked Questions

One definition of psychological flexibility is the capacity for being in contact with the present and acting on long-term goals rather than short-term urges. Being psychologically flexible allows people to adapt to changes in the environment and react in new, creative and healthy ways that align with an individual's goals and values. This ability also plays a vital role in health and well-being.

"What psychological flexibility boils down to is staying in the present moment and being open to experiencing whatever thoughts or feelings may arise, and then take action that is aligned with our values,” explains Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS , a psychologist and clinical assistant professor at the NYU School of Medicine.

In day-to-day life, psychological flexibility allows people to adjust their behaviors and routines to respond effectively to the demands of the situation in ways that serve an individual's goals and adhere to their core beliefs.

Some key elements of flexibility include:

• Being present : In order to be flexible, people need to be aware of what is happening in the world around them in the present moment. Instead of thinking about the past or worrying about the future, flexible people are able to center themselves in the here and now. “If we dwell on the past, or focus on the future, we are focusing on things that are out of our control, but also if we react, then we may not be acting, or making decisions based off of our values, beliefs, and goals,” Goldman says.
• Openness : Flexibility also requires people to be open to new experiences and perspectives. Rather than staying stuck in patterns that are not helpful, being flexible allows people to look at the situation in novel ways and make adjustments as needed.
• Acceptance : In order to stay psychologically flexible, people need to be willing to tolerate a range of emotions, even those that are not easy. Instead of trying to suppress or avoid these feelings, flexible people are able to accept what they are feeling, acknowledge their emotions, and look for ways to make meaning and grow from what they have learned.

Goldman also suggests that pausing before responding is important for psychological flexibility. “If we take that moment to pause, we can then properly assess a situation, remind ourselves to be present, what is in our control, and then make a decision based off of what we truly believe in, and not the current emotion we may be feeling (which may lead to reactive, impulsive, or rigid behaviors).” 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Psychological flexibility can be increased through acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a form of psychotherapy that helps people learn to adapt to changes in the world and in themselves while staying true to their personal values and goals. Research has found that acceptance and commitment therapy, which focuses on increasing psychological flexibility, helps decrease stress and improve well-being.

Examples of Flexibility

Some examples of ways people can display flexibility in real-world situations include:

• Accepting difficult emotions : A person who struggles with anxiety might display psychological flexibility by learning to accept their anxious thoughts and feelings of distress without judgment. Doing this allows them to react in anxiety-provoking situations with greater calmness and resilience.
• Dealing with setbacks : a person dealing with a significant setback, such as a job loss, can display flexibility by staying positive and taking steps to find another position. Flexibility allows them to face challenges and manage stress more effectively.
• Managing intense emotions : Strong emotions can sometimes feel overpowering. Psychological flexibility can help people acknowledge and accept such feelings without getting overwhelmed. 
• Finding fulfillment : developing psychological flexibility is essential for making meaning and finding a sense of purpose in life . It allows people to respond to the full range of their feelings in open ways and align their behaviors with what matters most in terms of their core values.

Such examples show how flexibility helps people respond to life's ups and downs, contributing to greater well-being and fulfillment.

Goldman suggests that psychological flexibility is a vital component of mental health. "It can help decrease stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Further, being more psychologically flexible can boost our confidence and self-esteem and even improve relationships,” she notes.

Flexibility can play an important role in mental health and well-being for a number of reasons.

Being flexible and open to new experiences allows people to learn new things. It also helps people adapt to changing circumstances, which can help people function more effectively in their environments.

People can better let go of negative or unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns by staying psychologically flexible. Rather than getting stuck in rigid routines and behaviors that make problems worse, people can respond in more adaptive ways.

This not only helps people respond better to challenges, but it also helps them cope with setbacks when they do happen. Flexibility can improve how people manage stress and ultimately enhance overall well-being. 

One study found that workers with higher levels of psychological flexibility were better able to stay open when dealing with work-related setbacks. Despite challenges, they could keep working on the same path and stay committed to their values. This ability also plays a part in supporting individual well-being.

How Do You Stay Mentally Flexible?

There are a number of strategies you can use to build and maintain your mental flexibility.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, so this is a great way to become more aware of your emotions, thoughts, sensations, and perceptions of your environment. 

Mindfulness is really just pausing to be fully present and aware, which is really the first step of becoming mentally flexible.

Try setting aside a little time each day to focus on activities to build mindfulness, whether it involves practicing mindfulness meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or other activities. As you practice, you may find that you become more aware and ready to adapt to your changing environment. 

Acknowledge Your Thoughts

Try to embrace the notion that a certain amount of discomfort and uncertainty are part of life. Rather than trying to avoid or resist difficulties, look for ways to acknowledge them. Remind yourself that discomfort and distress are temporary. 

Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions without judging these feelings as bad or wrong. Instead, they are part of life, and all emotions, even the difficult ones, can provide valuable information about how to adapt to your changing circumstances.

Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts

Everyone has negative thoughts sometimes, and Goldman notes that it is crucial to remember how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are linked. Instead of focusing on whether the thought is negative, ask yourself if it is helpful. When you identify an unhelpful thought, it is essential to challenge it and replace it with something more helpful.

What to Try Instead

The key, Goldman notes, is to avoid trying to replace the thought with something unrealistic or overly positive, which might set you up for failure. Instead, aim for something more neutral.

For example, instead of thinking, ‘I’m a failure,’ you might think, ‘I don’t know if I’ll succeed, but I’m trying my best.’ 

“This type of thinking opens up the door to success, as well as to learning from the experience as opposed to the unhelpful thought of "I'm a failure," which already closed the door,” Goldman says. 

Our self-talk becomes our reality, so be mindful of the words you use when you speak to yourself.

By reframing how you look at the situation and replacing unhelpful thoughts, you'll be more flexible and better able to adjust your reactions to suit the situation.

Embrace New Things

Part of flexibility is being open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives. Look for opportunities to push the limits of your comfort zone. Try having a conversation with someone with a different background than you. Read a book or watch a movie in a genre you don't usually seek out. Novel experiences can be a way to increase your adaptability and cultivate greater open-mindedness .

Consider Other Perspectives

You can further foster your open-mindedness by seeking out perspectives other than your own. This can include having face-to-face conversations with others, but it can also involve seeking out diverse opinions in your social media feeds.

Follow people who don't necessarily align with your background. Listen to what people have to say who come from different walks of life. Learning more about other people's points of view can not only help you become more empathetic , it can also open you up to more flexible ways of thinking about the world.

Build a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset , as opposed to a fixed mindset, focuses on your ability to learn new things and take actions that will help determine your destiny. People with this mindset see life's challenges as opportunities to grow, believing that their actions can effect change in the world. Having this mindset can help you stay more flexible when approaching problems and encourage you to make changes to help you better reach your goals.

"We can't predict the future," Goldman says, "so go into situations being curious. Most things in life aren't so 'all or nothing,' so remember that!"

Staying mentally flexible is an ongoing process that requires continual practice and effort. Incorporating some of these strategies into your daily life can help you foster greater psychological flexibility. In doing so, you’ll also be able to enhance your well-being and adapt more effectively to the ever-changing demands of life.

While it is often viewed as an ability, flexibility can also be considered a mindset. This mindset encompasses an openness and willingness to adapt, change, and approach situations with an adaptable perspective.

Characteristics of a flexible mindset include:

• Acceptance of change
• Problem-solving skill
• Self-awareness
• Perseverance in the pursuit of goals
• Self-directedness

A person with a flexible personality is often referred to as adaptable. Such individuals are willing to face challenges and make changes that help them achieve their goals. They can pivot quickly based on the demands of the situation. They can look for opportunities to learn and improve even when facing difficult situations. Because of this highly flexible personality, they tend to be very resilient and capable of surviving and thriving in a wide variety of situations.

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

Zhang CQ, Leeming E, Smith P, Chung PK, Hagger MS, Hayes SC. Acceptance and commitment therapy for health behavior change: A contextually-driven approach . Front Psychol . 2018;8:2350. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02350

Wersebe H, Lieb R, Meyer AH, Hofer P, Gloster AT. The link between stress, well-being, and psychological flexibility during an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy self-help intervention . Int J Clin Health Psychol . 2018;18(1):60-68. doi:10.1016/j.ijchp.2017.09.002

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

Dindo L, Van Liew JR, Arch JJ. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A transdiagnostic behavioral intervention for mental health and medical conditions . Neurotherapeutics . 2017;14(3):546-553. doi:10.1007/s13311-017-0521-3

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

How to be More Flexible In Life

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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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.

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.

Nice. Great points.

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How to describe yourself in an interview: 9 methods with examples.

• By Matthew Jones

Are you wondering how to describe yourself in an interview ? At most job interviews, you will be asked (in one way or another) to tell the interviewer about yourself. If you find yourself getting nervous when this question pops up, don’t worry. While it’s not an easy question to answer, we have some tips and examples here, so you can start practicing how to respond to this question.

Describing yourself in an interview setting requires showing honesty and humility, while also making yourself look confident in your abilities! Interviewers almost always ask this question because they want to know what you’re like and how you view yourself.

The first step in mastering how to describe yourself in an interview is learning to recognize this question type.

Common Variations of the “Describe Yourself” Question

Here are just a few common variations of this common interview question :

• What are the 3 words that best describe you?
• How do other people describe you?
• In your opinion, what are your most important traits?
• What words come to mind when you think about yourself?
• What adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
• How would you describe your personality?
• Tell me about yourself.
• Describe yourself in one sentence.
• Summarize yourself in as few words as possible.

While some of these questions and commands require specifically formatted answers, the majority can be answered in the same way. So, how can you answer these questions? More importantly, what are some positive ways to describe yourself in an interview?

In this post, we will go over some useful positive adjectives to describe yourself, as well as different personality profiles to shape your response to this common interview question.

9 Ways to Describe Yourself in an Interview

While you might have an idea of what traits and characteristics you want to highlight about yourself, you might not be sure how to format your answers. Sometimes, an interviewer wants you to give a detailed description of your character, and other times, they just want you to summarize who you are in as few words as possible. Either way, we’ve got you covered.

In the examples below, we’ve provided some sample interview questions and answers, along with some bonus tips. Feel free to take sentences from different responses to create your own, unique way of describing yourself! While we don’t recommend using these answers word-for-word, they should give you an idea of what good, effective interview answers look like.

Additionally, we highlight different strengths that may fit your personality or goals in the interview room. Every business, interviewer, and position can value different character traits. It’s important to know how to use that to your advantage.

Be sure to read the summary at the end of each tip to understand why and when to use them.

So, let’s look at 9 ways to describe yourself in an interview :

1. Describe Yourself as Flexible and Resourceful

Question: How would you describe yourself?

Sample answers :

I like to think that I’m a very flexible and resourceful person. Even when things change at the last minute, I’m able to adjust accordingly and meet tight deadlines. At my last job, the schedule was constantly changing, so I needed to be highly adaptable. Despite the chaotic environment, I always finished tasks on time.

Use this verbiage ( style of speaking) when interviewing for a position that requires a lot of changes on the job and strict timelines. This line of speaking is reserved for interviews where you’ve already researched the position and know what you’re getting yourself into. It reinforces to the interviewer that you can handle the pressure that comes with constant change.

2. Give a Short But Meaningful Summary About Yourself

Question type 1: describe yourself in 3 words..

Sample answers:

I would say that I’m creative, hard-working, and detail-oriented.

I think that I’m an analytical, dependable, and responsible person.

This is one type of short answer question that you’ll hear from a trained interviewer (or one who just read a book or blog about interviewing). It’s often heard at the beginning of the interview as a means of leading into more in-depth questions about your answer or at the end as a means of summary.

Have an answer ready to this question before you go into the interview so you can answer back quickly and confidently. Even if it isn’t asked, you can use those self-descriptive words as a framework for other answers to the interviewer’s questions. Even if you’re not asked the question directly, you will always need to describe yourself in an interview, to one degree or another.

Question Type 2: Describe yourself in one sentence.

I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn’t afraid to face a challenge.

I’m passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done.

I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn’t believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do.

“Describe yourself in one sentence” is the other way to ask the short answer question. Take note of the summary above and use the three-word description as part of a summary sentence. This way you’ll have an answer to both questions with the same words.

I’m hard-working, driven, and fearless.

3. Talk About Yourself as a “Team Player”

Question: In your opinion, what are your most important traits?

I’m very communicative, detail-oriented, and versatile. I like to think of myself as a team player. While I don’t mind taking on solo projects, I prefer to work with others.

I like to think that I’m persistent and persuasive. Working in sales, these traits have served me well. Outside of work, I enjoy taking part in lively debates where I can share my views with others.

You did your research on the company and found that the work culture is based on community, group, and teamwork. If that’s the case, make sure the interviewer knows you can function well within that culture, and you enjoy socialization outside of it. Remember, for many employers, it’s just as important to fit into a work culture as it is to be able to do the job well.

4. Highlight Your Experience and Knowledge

Question: Tell me about yourself.

Well, I’m very knowledgeable in my field. I worked in IT for over 20 years before transitioning into more managerial roles. Thanks to my years of experience, I’m very meticulous in my work. I also like to keep things very professional. I’m very direct in all of my communications, but I’m also careful not to hurt anyone’s feelings.

I’ve worked as a systems analyst since I graduated from college. I am very particular about the details of my work, but I also like to stay open-minded to new ideas. I never want to close myself off to other people’s opinions.

For more technical positions, interviewers want to be reassured that you have the knowledge and experience to do the job well. When highlighting your experience and knowledge, be sure to be clear and concise, and know exactly what you want to highlight from your experience. Fumbling words or jumping around on a timeline will confuse the interviewer. Therefore, learning how to describe yourself in an interview also requires you to become comfortable speaking in a high-stakes setting.

5. Describe Yourself as a “Constant Learner”

I like to study new things. Being knowledgeable about (your field) or any subject is an ongoing process, and I’m always proactive about seeking new opportunities to develop and grow in my role. Those opportunities could be in the form of training, a conference, listening to a speaker, or taking on a new project, but the motivation is to increase my knowledge of the field.

This answer is reserved for interviewing for a position where you may not have enough experience, but you’re willing to learn. Be sure to have examples ready that prove you’ve been proactive about your learning experiences. Thus, knowing how to describe yourself in an interview without making yourself look inadequate is key.

6. Describe Yourself as a “People Person” (For Team-Oriented or Customer-Facing Jobs)

My most valuable trait is that I’m a people person who enjoys meeting new individuals and learning about their lives. I always find some common ground with everyone even if I have to get creative to do so.

It’s always helpful when you have someone on your team that you can rely on to make your customers feel comfortable and at ease and is emotionally resourceful in repairing or improving relationships within the team. I pride myself on having those traits.

The “most important traits” question is typically asked in the middle of the interview. Because of this, you’ll have a chance to gain more insight (from the interviewer’s questions) as to what type of individual they’re looking to hire. If they’re looking for a “people person,” it’s good to have an answer ready to complement that character trait.

7. Present Yourself as Confident (But Not Cocky)

Question: What words come to mind when you think about yourself?

I’m a mature, candid individual who has and values integrity. My confidence in myself and those traits are the reason people tend to come to me for answers to questions even if I’m not in a leadership position. Even if I don’t know the answer, I know I can point someone in the right direction.

When asked this question, follow up with a little background as to why you chose those words. You don’t have to just give descriptive words and stop speaking in this situation. Pause and let the words resonate with the interviewer.

And, to describe yourself as confident in an interview, you must speak with confidence (imagine that!). As you get ready for the interview, you want to both look and feel the part. Interviewers typically are trained or at least work with people, so they’ll be able to sense if you have doubts about what you’re saying.

8. Highlight Your Expertise with Numbers or Results

Question: How would you describe your personality?

I’m a results-oriented person who is confident in my ability to produce. Granted, I do have a degree of modesty, but I like to consistently set firm goals, and am constantly analyzing to see how far along I am (or the team is) and what I can do to achieve the goal. That pressure is inspiring and a great motivator.

Some companies are all about the numbers, and you should know that before you go into the interview. This is another situation where you really want to portray yourself as someone who can do what you say you can do. Be sure to have examples of when you hit your numbers ready for follow-up questions.

9. Present Yourself as a Self-Starter or an Independent Person

Question: Summarize yourself in as few words as possible.

I’m a positive and resourceful individual who can execute difficult tasks and doesn’t need to be micromanaged.

I’m a resolute and dependable person with unwavering determination to do well at my job and solve problems in the most autonomous manner possible.

Based on your career choice and/or a company’s work culture, you might have to prove that you have the ability to work on your own. I know as a freelance writer, this type of answer is my go-to to every potential client to reinforce that I can get the job done on my own and without supervision.

How to Describe Yourself in a Positive Way

Now that we’ve discussed how to describe yourself in an interview, let’s look at some positive words that will send the right message to your interviewers.

Positive Words to Describe Yourself During an Interview

• Knowledgeable
• Professional
• Responsible
• Open-minded
• Resourceful
• Disciplined
• Intelligent
• Hard-working
• Communicative
• Detail-oriented

For even more positive ways to describe yourself, check out this ultimate list of positive adjectives .

Final Tips on How to Describe Yourself in an Interview

Now that you know how to describe yourself using positive words, it’s time for some final tips that will help you formulate your own answers!

Here are a few things that you should keep in mind on how to describe yourself in an interview:

• Keep things positive – It’s fine if you want to talk about your strengths and weaknesses , but try to focus more on your strengths and positive attributes. Remember, an interviewer will be less inclined to hire you if your description is overly negative. So, be sure to keep things bright and positive!
• Don’t boast – This is the difficult part when it comes to how to describe yourself in an interview. You want to make yourself sound good, but you don’t want to sound arrogant (too confident). Instead, try to focus on your best qualities while recognizing the areas in which you could improve.
• Be honest – It’s easy to focus too much on the goal of impressing your interviewer. Oftentimes, this can lead you to exaggerate or even lie about your personality, abilities, etc. So, try to be honest with your answers. Even if you get the job, you might find it difficult to meet their expectations if you lied in the interview.
• Make your answers personal – The example answers above are meant to give you a general idea of how to describe yourself to an interviewer. That said, you don’t want to give generic answers about yourself. These won’t make you stand out as a candidate. Instead, try to personalize your answers. You can do this by mentioning your hobbies, interests, or experiences outside of work.
• Keep it short – While you should personalize your answers, no interviewer wants to hear your entire life story. You should always give complete answers that get straight to the point. In other words, your answers shouldn’t be long-winded or include a lot of irrelevant details.
• Be confident – Most importantly, in an interview, be confident about the things you say. Employers are looking for individuals who they can have confidence in to perform the duties of a position, and that starts from the first interview. After all, if you don’t have confidence in yourself, how can they have confidence in you?

After reading this, one interview question may seem a little overwhelming, especially when it’s just one part of an entire interview. If you take anything from these tips, know that it’s just an interview. Most people have many interviews throughout their careers whether it’s a position change or upgrade. And you may not do great in every single one.

But with preparation, positivity, and confidence, you can take these tips into the interview room and really make an impression with your interviewer. After the interview, be sure to write a job interview follow up email and write down some notes for yourself on how the interview went. These notes can help you better prepare for the next round or the next interview.

Like most skills, learning how to describe yourself in an interview is something that comes with a great deal of practice and experience. So be confident, be true to yourself, and good luck with your job search!

Matthew Jones

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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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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 ?

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.