Outsmart the paparazzi
When the first Harry Potter film premiered, Daniel Radcliffe became an overnight global star. With each new film, his fame grew, and so did the attention he received. Paparazzi followed him everywhere. No matter where he went, photographers were waiting, cameras ready.
Radcliffe didn’t enjoy that level of scrutiny. In 2007, while performing in the play Equus in London, he grew tired of the photographers lining up outside the theatre every single day. Instead of going to great lengths to avoid them, he came up with a simple yet brilliant solution.
He wore the same jacket and hat every day. As a result, all the photos looked as if they had been taken on the same day, making them practically worthless to the press. Before long, the photographers lost interest, and Radcliffe was able to leave the theatre in peace.
Turning a problem into an advantage
We all face difficult or uncomfortable situations. How we respond is up to us. We can resist and fight back, but that often makes things worse. Radcliffe chose a different approach: he turned the situation to his advantage and even had a bit of fun with it. It was a clever example of creative, out-of-the-box thinking.
You can go even further: not just neutralising a problem, but actually using it to your benefit. Take Ivan Lendl, one of the most driven tennis players in history, nicknamed “The Terminator”. For years, he was determined to win the US Open. He reached the final several times but couldn’t clinch the title until he decided to change his approach.
The US Open is held every year at Flushing Meadows Park in New York. The park is close to LaGuardia Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United States. Planes regularly roar overhead, creating significant noise during matches.
Many players complained about the distraction. Lendl did the opposite. He practised early in the morning when air traffic was heaviest, training himself to stay focused despite the noise. What bothered others became his competitive edge. While his opponents were thrown off, he stayed locked in. He went on to win the US Open in three consecutive years.
Mental flexibility
Choosing not to avoid a difficult situation but to transform it into something positive requires mental flexibility. This is the ability to adjust your thinking and behaviour when circumstances change or when you face something unexpected.
It means being willing to question your assumptions and tolerate uncertainty. And that’s not always easy. Our brains prefer routine and predictability. Familiar patterns take less energy than rethinking or changing direction. Uncertainty can create stress, which makes us want to cling to what we already know. But growth rarely happens in that comfort zone.
A lighter way to approach life
People who accept that mistakes are part of learning and consider change as normal tend to be more adaptable. Also, emotional balance plays an important role. If you can manage tension and frustration, you’re better equipped to adjust when things don’t go as planned. But regular self-reflection is the most crucial characteristic. Taking an honest look at your thoughts and actions can be uncomfortable because it means acknowledging blind spots and facing difficult emotions. And that’s exactly the sweet spot for growth.
Mental flexibility is closely linked to resilience and long-term mental health. Research consistently shows that people who can manage their thoughts and emotions flexibly experience a greater well-being. They report less stress, anxiety and depression, and more satisfaction and meaning in their lives.
Anyone can develop it
The good news? Mental flexibility is a skill you can strengthen. Start small and try new routines. Be gentler with yourself when you make mistakes, and deliberately consider other viewpoints. One powerful question to ask yourself is: What if the opposite were also true?
That simple shift can loosen rigid thinking and open the door to surprising insights. In a world that feels increasingly complex and uncertain, and where the loudest voices often dominate, mental flexibility may be one of the most valuable and underrated skills we have. It helps us see nuance, stay open to different perspectives, and adapt thoughtfully to constant change.
This article was originally published in Dutch in CHRO’s half-yearly magazine – CHRO is the platform for HR executives.
MT/Sprout
September 1, 2024
MT/Sprout
January 1, 2025
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