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Do you remember MacGyver, the 80s TV show? I loved grabbing a spot on the shag carpet and watching the nail bitting 'save-the-day' with science, where he could diffuse a ticking bomb with a paper clip, a rubber band, and a stapler! That my friends is 'Cognitive Flexibility' in action. It's the ability to switch between different ways of thinking and adapt to new situations quickly. And it's not just a TV show thing - it's a real-life superpower that can help us tackle challenges with adaptability and creativity.
Improving your cognitive flexibility can build self-trust and confidence in your own abilities. But how do you actually do it? Here are a few tips:
Focus on multiple outcomes: Actively seek out different solutions to a problem. Don't settle for the first one that comes to mind. This will help you see things from different angles and come up with creative solutions.
Consider different perspectives: Your way is not the only way. Consider the perspectives and experiences of others to broaden your understanding and build your empathy muscle.
Reframe situations: Look at a situation from different angles. Consider as many scenarios as possible to help you strategize for success.
Interrupt rabbit hole thoughts: Take a break or engage in a different activity that helps you clear your mind. This can help interrupt negative thought patterns and allow for new ideas to emerge.
Cognitive flexibility is not just important for problem-solving - it can also be a key factor in reaching your goals, look at Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, who saw a problem that needed solving and used her cognitive flexibility to devise a solution. Her determination and perseverance turned her idea into a massive business, making her the first self-made female billionaire in the world. Her story is a reminder that we all have the ability to think creatively and adapt to new situations. With a little MacGyver-ing and determination, we can achieve great things.
So, don't be afraid to think like Blakely and MacGyver and flex your cognitive muscles. Actively seek out new perspectives and be open to multiple solutions, and go out and conquer the world!