Becoming more flexible

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Hello,

I am having some difficulties with cognitive inflexibility. I tend to make things out to be difficult problems, when really there is a workable solution that doesn't require an unreasonable amount of effort. I just get hung up on details that don't need to be worried about. My mind seems very sticky, somehow.

Does anyone have some experience in shifting your way of thinking to more of a focus on solutions and on being more practical and flexible?

I seem to keep running into this difficulty. Any advice would be appreciated.

I know some people will say "just do it", and that seems like good advice, but somehow that approach alone isn't working very well. Or if the best approach is just to choose right now to make a change in your thinking, then how is a good way to stick to it over time?

I have an issue with that which is frustrating when it comes to school work. I often do things in a very long way much to the confusion of teachers and people often are confused when I am unmovable in certain things. It's gotten a little better for me as time has passed, I can think around things a little more but I have to consciously think "Hey, is there an easier way to do this" first and when that doesn't work I might have someone ask me a series of questions to push me, such as my mum.

Good post. I've personally struggled with that sort of thing. I always used to panic with the group work on my university projects.

It can be hard developing new thinking so I've maybe got some pointers.

It's mostly always a good idea to turn up to an event or meeting even when you're very worried about it. Not turning up can draw more attention on to you than turning up (even if unprepared). Sometimes people are very understanding if you've had trouble and other times you might realise that whatever you had to do for them didn't really matter and they're just glad you're there anyway.

Decisions can be made after a trip the toilet. A washroom, bathroom or toilet can sometimes be a quiet place to clear your head for a few seconds. Doing your private business or just being in a different environment can clear mind.

I'm a musician and in the past I've been worried about learning songs for rehearsal sometimes. I'm not ashamed to say I've phoned Breathing Space / help services when I've been very anxious and just worrying about every possible thing that could go wrong. Phoning those services can sometimes be very helpful.

Sometimes the scariest thing is when you've got 5 assignments to do and you have to start them. I have a space in the house I'm writing this post in. My laptop, my stationary and my toolbox are there and always are. When I think about each assignment I know my work area is already set up.
I found when I had much to do what was scary was going through my house trying to find everything I thought I would need. I'd always over estimate and get tired out looking for item I thought I needed.
So my point is prepare a work station or a decision making area before the next time you have to work or make a decision.

Thanks for your posts. Seems like some good advice.