Can I resolve this a different way?

Being a fierce creature of certain habits, I experienced a rather humorous amount of befuddlement at the gym this morning when I discovered that the phone app that stores my exercise plan wasn’t loading.

Some network error, apparently.

I actually entertained the ludicrous proposition (though not-so-seemingly ludicrous at the time) leaving the gym and coming back later. Mumbling in mind something to the effect, “I’ll come back later when I know the exact plan and can log my numbers!”

Thankfully reason came to the rescue and I asked myself a simple question to pull back my rapidly spiraling anxiety: “Can I resolve this a different way?”

“Of course I can”, I told myself with a sigh of a relief.

I couldn’t remember the exact workout plan, but I remember most of it.

I can’t track my numbers in the app, but I can log it in my notes to reference later.

Rigid requirements were holding me back. By relaxing them, I could move forward.

All of this is a benign example of a skill I think is valuable in any area of life:

Rigidity is the enemy of adaptability.

Conversely, flexibility and a willingness to be creative with your requirements are ingredients for resilience and progress.