Did you know that flexibility plays a key role in self improvement? Take a look at the people you know who are most successful. Do they approach everything they do in a rigid, controlled fashion—or do they roll with the punches? Most likely, the successful people you know seem prepared to handle any situation. Therefore, you can logically concur that flexibility is integral to self improvement. Of course, in order to be successful, you also must possess perseverance and determination. However, you should not possess these traits to the exclusion of flexibility. The ability to “stick to your guns” is essential, but should not be overshadowed by a dogged determination to have things go your way. You cannot expect to achieve self-improvement without flexibility; your willingness to adapt to the circumstances when necessary to continue toward success. To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, there are only two certainties in life: death, and taxes. Everything else is subject to change. In order to deal with all the unexpected curveballs life is bound to throw at you, you must be ready to meet challenges with elasticity instead of rigidity. Maintaining flexibility is imperative. The best laid self-improvement plans can be waylaid by a variety of circumstances—but you don’t have to let that stop you! You should be involved with and attached to your plans, but you should also make sure you are flexible enough to derail for a time if things don’t quite turn out the way you planned. Self improvement is not a path set in stone; rather, it is the road you hack through the jungle in order to reach your personal treasure. What will you do when you come to a pitfall—will you stay doggedly on your straight path and fall in, or will you walk around and find another way to reach your destination? Be determined but flexible, and self improvement is yours for the taking.