Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability to adapt when plans change, new information comes in, or something doesn’t go as expected. Like all executive skills, it can look very different depending on the day, the situation, and what else is going on for you.
Definition: Adaptable. You can change or update plans when you have new information, an obstacle appears, or someone (or you) makes a mistake. You might feel energized by your ability to pivot and act. You might feel unconcerned with change because you can roll with it.
How this might show up…
- You’re good at thinking of a different way when something isn’t working.
- You tend to be a creative problem-solver.
- You can “go with the flow” without needing to know every detail in advance.
- You can be spontaneous and thrive in situations others might find chaotic. You feel comfortable “winging it”.
- You might be surprised when others react negatively to change and have trouble understanding why they think it is a big deal.
- People see you as imaginative, open-minded, or easy to work with.
On the other hand…
- You might not see the importance of sticking to a schedule.
- You might be overwhelmed by your own ideas and the options that you see.
- People might interpret your actions as unexpected or unpredictable.
- People may interpret your actions as too relaxed or not taking the situation seriously.
Opposite: Rigid. You find it hard to adapt when plans change, an obstacle appears, new information arrives, or you (or someone else) make a mistake. You may feel a strong need to protect yourself from change.
How this might show up…
- You believe there is only one right way to do something.
- You struggle to solve problems that require thinking “outside the box”.
- Unexpected changes – even small ones – can feel overwhelming or unfair. Shifts in routine can leave you feeling anxious or frustrated.
- You find it hard to let go of a plan.
- You may have difficulty managing your emotions when things go “sideways” (not according to plan).
How others might interpret this:
People may interpret your actions as disciplined, stubborn, or selfish; even when you’re simply trying to keep a handle on things.
WARNING!
ADHDers often have DOING challenges, even when they KNOW what to do. In this way, ADHD often looks like a “performance disorder” because ADHDers KNOW what to do, they just have trouble actually DOING it. This is hard for people who can “just get started” to understand.
Now that we have said that, here are some things you can try to DO that might help. (Do you see the Catch-22 here?)
Strategies Coming Soon!