The way to Stay Strong in the Face of Challenges: Cognitive Flexibility

The situations we encounter in life may not always be as we want or expect. Sometimes, something unexpected happens when we least expect it. Sometimes, an event that you have been waiting for months may have to be canceled all of a sudden. In such situations, we may be more or less disappointed, upset, or angry. Cognitive flexibility as the ability to adapt to such situations helps us come up with new solutions. Life is in a constant state of change by its nature and we need to be able to produce new solutions in the face of the situations that life brings us by showing flexibility. Otherwise, we may not be able to get rid of the negative effects of this situation for a long time by being stuck with a dream or expectation. For example, you came to a new city. However, the place you are in is not a place as described to you. In this case, you may become angry with the person who misrepresented you and give up hopelessly, thinking that it is not fair. However, in this case, a person with cognitive flexibility can turn a few people off the road and ask them for directions. Even if he learns that there is no bus going where he wants to go, he may ask where he can find a taxi. If the person he asked does not know, he can ask another person. In this case, when this person encounters an unexpected problem or problems, instead of being stuck in the past, he creates new solutions. Showing cognitive flexibility is just that. Making small changes in your daily routines, using your own words instead of using suggested words when writing messages, being open to new and different experiences and being willing to live these experiences are some of the ways to develop cognitive flexibility.