5 Fun Ways to Build Flexibility in Your Life!

Let’s face it…Life loves to throw curveballs. Whether it’s a surprise deadline, a last-minute event, or your favorite coffee shop suddenly being "temporarily closed," flexibility isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential!

But don’t worry; building your flexibility muscle both mentally and physically doesn’t have to be a chore.

This is something I practice in real time because I’m always dodging bullets in some area of my life and being flexible is key. 

I’m a person who tries to be prepared with everything in life and using tactics to be flexible helps me to always be ready. I have that prepper mindset from everything from food and supplies in the house to work and business. 

I have a plan A, B and sometimes a plan C depending on the situation. I know it’s overkill however I want to be able to handle anything that comes my way and to be able to adapt, pivot and flex.

Creating systems can be the greatest gift you give yourself!

Let’s dive into 5 simple steps to become the bendy, adaptable rockstar you’re meant to be!

1. It all starts with mindset. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Flexibility starts in your mind! Studies show that people with a growth mindset are 47% more likely to bounce back from challenges (Dweck, 2006). Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, start viewing them as opportunities to grow.

So, the next time your plan hits a snag, ask yourself, “What’s the silver lining here?” “What could I have done differently?” “How could I have prepared differently?”

 2. Stretch It Out – Literally: Physical flexibility and mental flexibility go hand in hand. Adding just 10 minutes of stretching to your daily routine can improve blood flow, reduce stress, and help you feel more “go-with-the-flow.” This is especially important if you work in front of a computer all day. 

Set a timer on your phone or add it to your calendar to get up and stretch and move around. Bonus points if you pair it with deep breathing exercises—your nervous system will thank you!

 3. In my videos/newletters I talk a lot about Vitamin N or being able to say no, however sometimes we need to push ourselves to Say Yes (Within Reason): Sometimes, shaking up your routine is the best way to cultivate adaptability. Research shows that stepping out of your comfort zone can boost creativity by up to 60% (Harvard Business Review, 2018).

So, say yes to that salsa class, try the weird new flavor of ice cream, or take a different route to work. Who knows? You might discover a new favorite!

 4. Practice Mental Rehearsal: Athletes use visualization to prepare for competitions, and you can do the same for life’s curveballs.

I use this all the time. 

Spend 5 minutes a day imagining yourself gracefully handling a tough situation. This mental prep not only boosts confidence but also rewires your brain for adaptability. If you know you have a difficult conversation or situation coming forward that you know you need to address, it gives you a chance to think through your approach and put your words together.

Even though you cannot be certain how the discussion is REALLY going to go, you have a plan and that can be the difference between being confident and saying what you need to rather than rambling and looking for the right words to tackle the situation.

 5. Build Your Flexibility Tribe: Surround yourself with people who inspire you to stay open and adaptable. Whether it’s a mentor, a yoga buddy, or your hilariously spontaneous friend, having flexible people in your corner can help you stretch beyond your limits. You can learn a ton about how they approach situations and when you are first starting out, you can mirror them until you find your own approach for yourself.

Fun Fact… According to a 2021 study by the American Psychological Association, people who actively practice adaptability report 23% higher life satisfaction and are 30% less likely to feel overwhelmed by stress. Sounds like a win-win, RIGHT?

Ready to flex your flexibility muscles? Try one of these tips this week and let us know how it goes! Let me know in the comments and share your story—we’re all ears (and a little nosy, in the best way). 😊

Remember, flexibility isn’t about being perfect; perfect doesn’t exist. It’s about bouncing back and finding joy in the unexpected. So, go out there and embrace life’s twists and turns. You’ve got this!

Grab my free eBook, Discipline Made Simple: 5 Proven Steps to Transform Your Life in the Next 30 Days— https://www.jrsrmanagement.com/signup-f3ab2053-5e66-4f03-8c95-a0e65717abec

 Three things to ALWAYS remember:

Be CONFIDENT!

Be EMPATHETIC!

AND ALWAYS HAVE PASSION!!!!