Invicta Vlogs
Thinking Flexibly
Problem solving and thinking flexibly has always been a key part of being able to enjoy success within the world of Computer Science. However, these key skills do not stop being useful outside of this paradigm. Having a fixed mindset or being rather rigid in your approach to: tasks, problems you might face at school, or life in general can often prove to be problematic. The world in which we live is always changing and nothing ever stands still for very long. The recent issues we have faced with regards to the Covid-19 pandemic have proven this. It has been incredible to see how resilient our staff and students have all been in their response to this challenging time. I personally put this down to their ability to think flexibly and their ability to demonstrate their wonderful resilience.
I am sure that at some point ,we have all heard someone say that ‘change is the only constant’ and this is why flexible thinking is so key to success in my opinion. In this everchanging world in which we live, being able to bounce back and think outside the box are crucial life skills. I therefore urge you to think about how you react to change and how you deal with shifts in expectations. Do you freeze, become defensive (perhaps even challenging?) and do you start to shut down? If you are saying ‘yes’ to these, then I urge you to try to develop some flexible, and positive, thinking skills.
Being able to react positively, think flexibly and respond positively to changes and alterations in circumstances, can have a positive impact upon your well-being, as well as those around you. It removes much of the negativity and grumbling that can arise if you are stuck in your ways and if you are rigid in your approach to different situations. This sort of mindset can have an impact on those around you and how you are perceived, as well as how you respond. Nobody likes a ‘negative nelly’ but everyone is always keen to speak to a person that is a ‘ray of sunshine’ or a positive influence within a room. The conceptions that people form, can be based upon how we respond to different situations. Being able to respond positively to change can have a real impact on this. If you are able to think flexibly, react positively and resolve any problem that comes your way, I am sure you will experience much more success. This ability is something that needs to be tried again and again.
The brain is like a muscle in the way in which it can get better and stronger when things are tried and tested again and again. Trying to think flexibly at any given opportunity, no matter how small, will begin to have benefits and will allow you to develop this crucial skill. As we move towards shorter and darker days, now is the time to try and keep your spirits high, as well as those of everyone around you. Working towards being more flexible, and therefore more positive, in your approach to things will certainly help in this regard. Where possible, ensure that you are surrounding yourself with like-minded people and let the positivity multiple and grow.
At the same time, if you notice anyone struggling, take the time to speak to them, look out for them and bring them along for the ride. You will find a positive approach to thinking and the completion of tasks with a way of thinking that demonstrates flexibility is infectious. Lockdown 2.0 has certainly tested many of these key skills but if we can all continue to look forward, stay positive and remember to be flexible when we face change, this will make anything seem much more manageable. We do not know what is around the next corner but being prepared to be positive and tackle any challenges with gusto will mean that we will be ready to tackle anything that comes our way!
Mr Ehren
Deputy Headteacher – Lower School
