Bendy Boss,
If there is one thing that I can attribute my success over the past 6 years,
It’s the ability to be flexible and adapt.
Being a young parent who is on their path to achieving goals, maintaining relationships and still having a social life means there are going to be times when things pop up.
Plans change.
Bills arrive.
Kids get sick.
Concerts get played.
Life happens…
History is littered with people who have alluded to its importance…
Bruce Lee: ‘Be water my friend’
Viktor Frankl in Man’s Search For Meaning: ‘Life requires of man spiritual elasticity, so that he may temper his efforts to the chances that are offered’
Being flexible within and without is better for you, your body and everyone else.
Truth.
A flexible relationship with partners/ex-partners
This is crucial.
There is no way that the journey I’ve been on would have been possible without the ‘give and take’ relationship I have with the mother of my children.
I guarantee you there will be times where things that you will want to do will clash with times that you have the kids…
And although sometimes there may be no work around, by cultivating a flexible and adaptable relationship you will give yourself the best chance of success.
Maybe you want to have a holiday, by yourself or with your kids…
Maybe your ex wants to go out for a friend’s birthday… Are you going to look after them?
I certainly would.
If I can, I will. Simple.
How do you create a relationship like this?
Here are a couple tips to get you there:
#1 — Always offer to do more and help out where you can
“Your world is your mirror”
If you are just doing the bare minimum to scrape by with your kids and relationships then that is probably what you are going to get in return.
So always put yourself out there to do more.
#2 — Be aware of how you ask favors
“It’s not what you say it’s how you say it”
Asking something of people is a real skill.
You have to be aware of their mood, their personality and most importantly how you can compromise.
Firstly, always give them the option to say no and secondly phrase it in a way that communicates to them you appreciate their consideration.
Body flexibility as a metaphor for life
“Your body is your mind”
The practice of being flexible and being able to move correctly have huge effects on your mind.
Yoga and Pilates often teach us that our tissues hold issues.
When we become tight and locked in our own bodies we tend to become more tense and rigid in life as well.
The hips, thoracic spine and shoulders are all typical offenders for being locked up and tight, which translates into…
Not embracing change, holding onto the past, resisting the new direction of your work or relationships – all things which keep us from moving forward and developing into new people.
So, try starting a stretching regime. Maybe start 3 times a week and build up to every day.
You will literally unlock the happiness and adaptability in your life.
Keep Bossing.
Originally Published at The Boss Dad Movement
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Photo: Getty Images
