Practice Flexible Rigidity

Her modus operandi was well established. Monday through Friday was all business…with permeable boundaries that stretched into the evenings.She relived example after example when this strategy was perfectly executed as she chose to remain in important meetings rather than respond to urgent family needs.

Over the years she ascended the corporate ladder.

She received accolades for her work ethic.

She secured the coveted corner office.

Her methodology was quite literally working.

Last week, standing before a group of colleagues in our presentation skills workshop, she spoke persuasively with confidence, clarity, and conviction.

Her message: Be aware when commitment morphs into rigidity.

Using her personal experience as evidence, she passionately encouraged her teammates to remain malleable. Work hard—yes. Be available to your family—yes. She recommended we adopt a form of flexible rigidity. She regrets not practicing this earlier in her own life. Her entire audience was moved when she courageously implored, “Don’t be like me.”

Later that day she left our workshop early.

Why?

To attend an end-of-school-year awards ceremony for her daughter.

Even more compelling than her poignant message…her actions.

Little did she know, her message helped me make peace with something I have been wrestling with since March.

I’ve consistently written blogs every other week for the past twelve years. They’ve been composed on weekends, in airplanes, while on vacation, and even during doctor’s visits. They have been a priority regardless of my circumstances.

You might say my commitment had morphed into rigidity.

Then, the blogs stopped.

Why?

On May 7, I married Sarah. Leading up to our big day, I had to make adjustments. Something had to give in order for me to focus appropriate attention on my clients, my fiancé, and our upcoming wedding. I had to make a decision whether my commitment to blog writing would become rigid.

We had a memorable wedding celebration and a beautiful honeymoon. My decision to take a break from writing allowed me to be present and fully enjoy the experience.

Choose a form of flexible rigidity that allows for variance within your life, schedule, and priorities.

Flexible rigidity. Where might it make sense in your life?