The Strength of Flexibility: Finding Peace in Life’s Delays

The Strength of Flexibility: Finding Peace in Life’s Delays

Last night, after a long recruiting trip with Bella Love, weather delays, and a midnight arrival home, I was reminded of the quiet strength that comes from adaptability. Normally, I thrive on rhythm—sleeping and waking at consistent times, following a structured routine that strengthens my circadian rhythm and allows my body and mind to work together in harmony.

Routine helps us conserve energy. It reduces decision fatigue. It frees our mind to focus on high-level performance while the body follows a practiced rhythm. For athletes, this is crucial—too many decisions can lead to exhaustion, stress, and a collapse in performance. Preparation and consistency give us the gift of autopilot when it matters most.

But sometimes, life interrupts. Flights get delayed. Plans shift. Sleep is cut short. Suddenly, you’re faced with the test: can you still perform with excellence when routine breaks down?

Today, I practiced the skill of flexibility. Instead of fighting the disruption, I leaned into it. Rather than punishing my body by pretending everything was the same, I gave myself permission to adapt. I drank water. I moved when I could, even in small ways. I kept my awareness high so I wouldn’t burn through my limited energy reserves. I allowed myself to rest and recover, knowing that the quicker I accepted flexibility, the quicker I could return to balance.

What I learned is that adaptability is not weakness—it is strength. It is the skill of regulating yourself when things are beyond your control. It is knowing when to push forward and when to recharge. It is staying rooted in awareness so that you don’t spiral into stress but instead navigate the day with wisdom.

Flexibility is what allows us to keep showing up at our best for ourselves and for others. Whether it’s a travel delay, an unexpected workload, or a family need, adaptability transforms the uncontrollable into an opportunity to grow.

Becoming a craftsman of mental performance means mastering both structure and adaptability. It means becoming the best version of yourself—not so that you stand alone, but so you can lift others up as well. When you learn to embrace flexibility, you discover that peace doesn’t come from control, but from your ability to bend without breaking.