Today, I want to bring you yet another important episode, and one that is particularly relevant as we enter November, hot on the heels of our election, and as we continue to deal with everything that 2020 has brought us throughout the year. Cognitive flexibility, including the ways in which it shows up and helps us, and some ways to build it, is our highly pertinent topic today. It truly is a crucial skill to have, especially these days, so let’s dive in and learn more about it, and how to develop it.

I’ll begin by defining cognitive flexibility, share some examples of how it helps us, and describe the traits that are found in those who possess high levels of it. We’ll also explore the mental tension that is caused when trying to entertain two conflicting ideas, and the role that cognitive flexibility plays in being able to see another’s perspective. Perhaps most importantly, I’ll offer 5 ways to build up your cognitive flexibility, and ask you to select one to focus on, or double down on, over the coming weeks and share your feedback with me. As you will discover, cognitive flexibility is key to helping us navigate, pivot, and adapt, which are, of course, essential skills at all times, but particularly so in these trying and turbulent times.

And don’t forget, in an effort to back up what I’m sharing, I’m creating a new community specifically for She Doesn’t Settle listeners that is NOT on social media. Check out the link below to access my 90 days Slack trial community, and we’ll play with it together and see how it works. In other big news, on November 18 at 4:00 p.m. PST, I’m hosting a free workshop called ‘Discover Your Unedited Desires’, where, in community with other amazing folks just like you, we’ll discover what you really want, which is naturally so very important these days. Be sure to check out that link below as well, and mark your calendar for this important and ultimately rewarding event.

 

The Finer Details of This Episode:

•   The definition of cognitive flexibility
•   Examples of how cognitive flexibility helps us
•   The traits displayed by those with high levels of cognitive flexibility
•   The mental tension caused by holding two conflicting ideas
•   Cognitive flexibility and the ability to see another’s perspective
•   5 ways to build up your cognitive flexibility
  

 

Quotes:

“This ability is generally considered part of the executive function of our brain.”

“You all know I use the word ‘pivot’ a lot. It is just a part of life.”

“Being cognitively flexible helps us to adapt and pivot and grow, however, for many people this is easier said than done.”

“Unlike our emotions, we are not changeable enough in our thoughts.”

“Being miserable in a pandemic is not going to teach the pandemic a lesson or change how the virus works or make you a better person.”

“You don’t have to suffer and struggle to be successful.”

“You can be grateful and also want more.”

“Shake up the routine.”

“It’s even better if you combine mental and physical learning at the same time.”

“The idea here is talk to new people, exchange ideas and information with people you don’t normally communicate with.”

“We protect ourselves from those challenging conversations when in reality they’re really, really necessary for us to build our cognitive flexibility.”

“Finding humor in a variety of situations is an exercise in flexible thinking.”

 

Show Links:

She Doesn’t Settle Slack link

Discover Your Unedited Desires FREE Workshop: sign up

Resources used for this episode: Dr. Daniel Amen article