Flexible Thinking: What is it and why is it important?

If you have a child in school or therapy, you’ve probably heard teachers or therapists talk about flexible thinking. It’s something I work on frequently with clients and also something that people often have questions about. Let’s talk about it!

What is flexible thinking?

Flexible thinkers are able to adapt to changes, think about things in different ways, are open to changing their minds, and can consider multiple solutions to problems. Flexible thinking is an executive function that helps us with emotional regulation, problem solving, and self-control. Flexible thinkers are often cool in the face of stress or unexpected circumstances and are good at taking things as they come and coming up with creative solutions to problems that arise in their lives. Like all executive functions, flexible thinking relies on other executive functions working together in order to be successful. For example, flexible thinkers use self-control and emotional regulation to keep calm and think through things. They also use problem solving skills to help themselves pivot in the moment.

Why is flexible thinking important?

Flexible thinking is an important skill because, simply put, it makes navigating every day life much easier. We are all confronted with big and small problems all the time. And (hopefully you’ll agree with this), life generally goes better when we can manage these problems without losing our cool or being unable to solve the problems. Flexible thinking doesn’t mean that we don’t get frustrated or have an emotional reaction to things not going according to plan. But, it does mean that we can keep that emotional reaction in check and use our logical brains to work through possible solutions and navigate the situation. I’m sure we can all think of people in our lives who handle challenges well and people who handle them… not so well. Or maybe we know people who are willing and able to change their minds about something big or small when presented with new information. And I’m sure we all know people who are not willing or able to do that. Flexible thinkers are also able to think about situations and determine whether or not they should roll with the punches or dig in a bit and stand their ground. It is definitely not advisable to be someone who always bends or changes their mind or perspective- but it is important to know when we should and shouldn’t!

How can I improve my flexible thinking skills?

There are a lot of ways you can improve flexible thinking skills. My first piece of advice is always to practice stopping and thinking before reacting or speaking when things don’t go according to plan or we are faced with a setback. If we can pause and identify what the problem is, what solutions are available to us, what the consequences are to each solution, and then pick the best solution, we will be much better able to work through these challenges. Depending on the situation, you may have to take a deep breath or two before you’re ready to think through these things, and that is perfectly okay! Also, taking a minute to ask yourself if the problem you’re faced with will be an issue in an hour, a day, a week, or longer may help you keep things in perspective and manage unexpected changes in helpful ways. Anytime we can pause and challenge that immediate desire to react emotionally or get upset when thing don't go as planned, we are helping ourselves be flexible.

Flexible thinking is an important skill for everyone and something we can all practice each day. Being a good flexible thinker means we can manage the inevitable challenges we face with greater ease and less emotional strife. If you or someone you know struggles with flexible thinking, talk with your therapist or reach out to our team to get scheduled with a therapist! We are happy to help!

Written By,

Alyssa Onan, LPC

www.cuttingedge-therapy.com