Are you flexible? Do you adapt easily when adversity sets up a roadblock? Do you freely change direction when opportunity arises? Do you readily take advantage of the unexpected? Being flexible is equally important in both the context of things often considered either good or bad.
In the film Forrest Gump, remember that after the war there was a period of time that Forrest attempted to succeed at shrimping on his own, and had not heard from his old friend Lieutenant Dan in quite a while. And yet, when Lt. Dan showed up on the dock and announced that he was there to be Forrest’s First Mate, Forrest just accepted it and changed whatever plans he had in his head at the time. He was flexible and adapted to a new arrangement. The benefit of his flexibility turned out to be that Forrest gained a companion, a closer friendship, and in the end a more business savvy partner. An opportunity seized!
Earlier in Forrest’s life he was confronted by the high school bullies. He adapted by doing what Jenny told him — he ran! By avoiding the danger and a confrontation, Forrest’s impressive running speed was noticed by Coach Bear Bryant and he received a football scholarship. In this case, being flexible turned adversity into opportunity.
Are you flexible in your approach to life?
We can all agree that life is a series of ups and downs. Learning to be flexible can smooth out the ride. If you learn to be flexible in your daily life, the lows won’t paralyze and stop you, and the highs will be viewed with the knowledge that today’s good fortune should be enjoyed while it lasts. When you are flexible, you can move through life positively, knowing that tomorrow is another day, hard work will be required to face the next challenge, and good things lie on the horizon.
Here are a few tips on being flexible:
- Believe that you can be more flexible.
- Give new ideas/alternatives a chance.
- Recognize that a straight line may not be the easiest route to your goal.
Forrest Gump was truly unique in that he had the uncanny ability to adapt, stay in the moment, and be flexible throughout the circumstances of life. He achieved great success in sports, business and professional service. More importantly, he achieved personal contentment and experienced the joy of living.
The great American novelist Tom Robbins said, “Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” Forrest Gump’s mother said “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know…” what path or direction will lead you to your goals.
Being flexible is a gump-like quality that often leads to success!
To learn more on this subject continue to explore the SpeakingGump.com website or consider having Steve Weber speak at your next company or association meeting. And that’s all I’ve got to say about that!
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Next Blog Date: May 24, 2010