About Flexible Thinking
If you are unsure about a situation, what can you do?
Talk to a trusted family member or friend.
Ask the person directly and maybe they can tell you what is going on.
Kevin wanted to continue to watch his show at home, but his parents ask him to do something else. Kevin pauses or saves his show so he can find out what his parents want him to do.
Flexible. Kevin realized that he could go back and watch his show later. He might just have to do one quick thing and can take another break after doing some work.
Corey always sits by his best friend at lunch. Today, when Corey gets to the the lunchroom, he doesn't see his friend anywhere. What could Corey think and do?
Corey might guess his friend had an appointment or is absent that day.
His friend might want to spend lunchtime with someone else.
Corey can find other friends to sit with and catch up with his friend later.
Your parent asks you to stop playing video games. Why might they ask you to do this?
They want you to do something outside.
They want your help with something.
It is time to do house work.
You are waiting in a line and someone buts in front of you. What are some reasons for this?
They didn't realize where the line formed.
They didn't see you standing in line.
What is Change?
Change is when something different happens in our normal routine or life.
Molly notices her friend is upset and in a bad mood when she arrives at BrightStone. She gives her a few minutes, then kindly asks her how her morning is going.
Flexible. She considers why her friend might be upset and then goes to talk to her directly.
You are talking with a friend when they suddenly get up and walk away. What are some possible reasons for this?
They remembered they were supposed to do something and needed to leave.
Someone called them away.
They thought the conversation was done.
They wanted to talk to someone else.
You notice that someone has been in your room.
Your parents had to put your clothes away.
They were cleaning.
When playing a game, someone keeps blurting out answers and interrupting others. What are some reasons for this?
They are really excited about what they are playing.
They weren't aware that it may be rude to interrupt others or answer all of the questions.
They think they are being funny.
What is a Compromise?
A compromise is when two or more people with different opinions or perspectives give up something so they can meet in the middle.
Greg's supervisor wants to talk to him after work. He stays so he can find out why, since he isn't sure.
Flexible. He didn't rush to judgement about why his supervisor wants to talk to him.
Someone at your lunch table tells everyone what they can and can't talk about. Are they being flexible or rigid? What can you say to that person?
RIGID - Being flexible means being okay listening to other people's ideas, even if we don't want to.
You can tell that person that everyone deserves to share their own thoughts.
Your family is making plans to go out to dinner. You really wants fish tacos and suggest a seafood restaurant. Your sister does not like seafood and wants to go to an Italian or Mexican restaurant. How can you use flexible thinking?
You can both discuss a way to compromise.
Perhaps you can decide on one restaurant tonight and make sure the other person gets to choose next time. If you can't decide which to go to first, you can flip a coin.
The cashier at the store does not give you enough change back when you handed her your money. What are some reasons for this?
She miscounted when providing you with change.
She was in a hurry and made a simple mistake.
She didn't realize how much money you originally gave her.
What is Perspective?
Perspective is a specific way of looking at or thinking about somethings. Not everyone thinks the same way.
Laura gets mad at her friend when she does not answer her question right away.
RIGID. She is mad right away without thinking WHY her friend isn't answering her.
You ask a friend to borrow a pen and they say no.
They might need it for the moment.
They may only have one pen.
They may be worried you will lose it.
Your parents text you and tell you then need to talk with you when you get home.
They have good news to share wtih you
They may be sharing some difficult news, but they are also thinking of positive solutions to help the situation.
Your best friend's birthday party was cancelled. What are some reasons for this?
The friend might be sick.
The weather may be bad.
There might've been a last minute emergency.
What does it mean to be a flexible thinker?
A flexible thinker can change plans and problem-solve when something new or unplanned happens. It can also mean being okay with different opinions and perspectives.
Sam is worried about finding a friend to go with him to the movies because he is sure that no one wants to go with him.
Rigid Thinking. He is assuming no onw will want to go to the movies with him before the situation happens.
You ask someone for their cell phone number, but he says not. What are some possible reasons they might have said no?
They might only give it to good friends.
They might be a private person.
What else?
You have fun weekend plans coming up and are really excited. Your boss calls and says someone has called in sick and really needs you to come in to work. How can you be a flexible thinker?
You can reschedule your plans for anther time.
You can ask your boss for another day off so you can still have your fun activities.
You've waited for 45 minutes in the waiting room at the doctor's office. What are some reasons for this?
The doctor may be running behind because they have a lot of patients to see that day.
There might've been a medical emergency with another patient.