Can I adapt?

The ability to pivot and change is called cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility goes beyond pivoting about plans. It’s also about stretching our imagination to see ourselves and others in our environments in new ways. 

After the video, you’ll have a chance to talk with a peer to reflect on connections to your own experiences.

As you watch, what resonates with you? 

Individual reflection

• Using the moodle chat, take a minute or so to articulate what resonated with you.

• Don't hit enter until prompted!

Cognitive flexibility

• Be open

• Try different perspectives 

• Generate multiple solutions

Fishbowl activity

• Each group will get:

  • A pivot prompt

  • 3 minutes to “own” the room: brainstorm how to adapt

  • Everyone else, please remain silent

• When it is not your group’s turn, stretch your cognitive flexibility by listening in for different perspectives. Jot down thoughts and ideas, but please do not distract the group that is working.

• Remember: It’s about your approach and stretching cognitive flexibility, not about finding the “right” solution.

  • Move from
    “It is...” or “It must be...”
    to
    “Could it be..?” or “Might it be…?” 

  • Articulate your approach.

  • Explicitly name what’s difficult (maybe the activity itself).

On your web site, create a new reflection entry. You may choose whether to use a written (1-3 paragraphs) or recorded (1-3 minute audio/video) format.

Creating a plan requires a great deal of mental energy, focus, and direction. Yet we also need to be able to step away from a plan that no longer serves us. Can you think of a time where you had to give up on a plan and wished you’d let go of it sooner?

1. Reflect on how you engage in planning and adapting when something unexpected occurs. Use these prompts to guide your reflection:

   • Creating a plan requires a great deal of mental energy, focus, and direction. Yet we also need to be able to step away from a plan that no longer serves us. Can you think of a time where you had to give up on a plan and wished you’d let go of it sooner?

   • Viewing a problem from different perspectives can help generate multiple paths forward or identify a "bug" in your approach. Sometimes, when we pause to pull back or zoom in, we gain new insight into the problem at hand. Can you think of other situations where a different vantage point has moved you past an obstacle?