Becoming limitless involves mental agility; the ability to quickly grasp and incorporate new ideas and concepts with confidence.
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Whether physically or mentally, the quality of bending easily without breaking is the strength that comes from flexibility. When we think of flexibility or agility, it is not always alongside our ideas of strength. Yet, it may be an essential element that comprises it. With this ability comes the capacity to modify behavior or a course of action.
When disruptions happen, choosing to find a solution and having the capability to roll with punches reflects those willing to change or compromise. This can occur when we adopt a flexible mindset which is accomplished through mental agility.
The way our brains process information is indicative of how open we are. Our experiences and education have taught us how to think. Yet, how we process moment to moment is not always the same. Certain situations may allow us to have an open and all-encompassing perspective, while others we may face with rigidity.
Rigidity, often accompanied by anger and frustration, happens when we become resistant to change; it’s ok to have these feelings, recognize them, give them some processing time, and it’s ok not to have a clear idea of what to do next. However, when we are unbending, we become impervious to information that may be useful. We may get stuck in one thought, unable to let go to see the whole picture or another course of action.
Our perceptions and emotions are connected to our capacity to be open-minded. Just as rigidity can narrow our perspectives, so can fear. Fear, like rigidity, creates a narrow focus, often bypassing specific details in exchange for hyper-focusing on others.
Knowing how to move through these times of stagnation and inflexible thoughts is imperative.
While following rules and protocol may be required, we often benefit from being mentally available in alternative ways. Adjusting to each responsibility and situation we face allows us to evolve with the current and present circumstances.
Moving into a flexible and agile mindset.
Start by questioning your thoughts and patterns that you regularly fall into when constructing opinions. For example, is your first response one of openness to the situation, or do you usually find a reason why something is wrong or will fail?
Do you have a can-do attitude, knowing that you will always find a way to accomplish the task, or are you the naysayer?
Become very aware of the words you use; these words are the impetus for your actions; they work hand in hand. If you discover that your go-to terms do not allow for open and flexible thoughts, replace them with ones that do.
Change the way you think. Spend time with others that think differently than you. Listen to conversations that have perspectives very diverse from your own. Refrain from judging them; instead, step into their point of view. Of course, you may disagree; however, alternate thinking may diffuse your attention away from your original opinion, broadening your point of reference.
Allow yourself to take time-out to step away from projects or challenges deliberately. When we unfocus on the very thing that we are hyper-focusing on, the best ideas often arise. So take a break, walk away and see if innovative and creative ideas arrive.
Being spontaneous opens us to mind shifts. We can give ourselves a mental boost by altering our routines and random time-outs. Alter your environment, have a conversation with an old friend, walk the dog, or sit in the yard enjoying the fresh air can give us a nudge towards clear thinking.
One other important tool to gaining mental agility is to keep learning. Learn something new. Explore a variety of new things. Those who engage in new mental activities gain a significant proficiency in problem-solving. Life is short, yet our ability to continually grow and flow continues regardless of age.
The benefits of a flexible and agile mind are many. Developing a flexible and agile mind is a tool for a more productive, creative, and balanced life by moving us away from limiting patterns of thinking to a place of possibilities. When we feel stuck within our routines, repetitive patterns, and old habits, it is in these moments that adapting our thoughts can be transformative. By adjusting our mindset, we can find inspiration and bolster our chances of success. Flexing those mental muscles keeps them strong and supple, which is a surefire way to live a whole and creative life.
A programmable mind embraces mental agility, to practice “de-learning” and “relearning” all the time.
– Pearl Zhu
