Flexibility is Not a Weakness. Some believe it is; they believe that flexibility signifies weakness, while they view rigidity as a form of strength. However, flexibility is not a flaw; instead, it fosters creativity and enables you to adjust rather than remain rigid.
Are you too rigid—or too flexible?
Being rigid isn’t always bad. Sometimes it’s the only thing holding you together when life punches hard. Like a well-built bridge, rigidity keeps the structure sound. But push too hard, too long—and it snaps.
Too much flexibility? That’s a problem, too. It looks like you’re easygoing, but inside, you’re exhausted. Constantly bending, always adjusting, always reacting.
So what’s the actual move you should make? What can you do?
Have The Discipline to Pivot.
Not bending out of fear. Not shifting because you’re lost. But choosing flexibility on purpose. As a key strategy and a skill.
You need both: firm values and fluid strategies. That’s what gives you an EDGE in achieving your goals.
And no one lived this better than the Māori warrior Te Kooti.
Who Was Te Kooti?

Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki (d. 1893) was of Ngāti Maru, a hapū (sub-tribe) of the Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne) iwi Rongowhakaata (the leading tribal group of the Gisborne region, known for their rich cultural heritage and resistance history).
During his wild and turbulent youth, Te Kooti was known for rebellious behaviour. He often clashed with colonial authorities and tribal leaders, earning him enemies among Europeans and even among his own people as a result of his strong opinion.
Still, he was sharp-minded and observant. Seeking redemption and a new path, he converted to Christianity. Like many Tūranganui Māori, he also became involved in coastal shipping—learning vital trade, negotiation, and navigation skills that would later serve him as a key spiritual and military leader.
That mix of rough edges and intelligence would shape the strategic mind that made him a powerful, if controversial, leader.
Later, Te Kooti was falsely accused of spying for the enemy and exiled without trial to the Chatham Islands. That injustice turned a reckless young man into a spiritual and military force —one whose unique perspective would shape history.
Flexibility Takes Discipline
When Te Kooti escaped the Chatham Islands, he could’ve gone rogue. Instead, he built alliances, negotiated with iwi (tribes), and led resistance with a strategy that kept his people alive against powerful colonial forces.
He never gave up his spiritual mission. But he flexed the way he led and fought.
That’s not weakness—that’s strength in disguise. Real flexibility is learned. It’s trained. It’s practiced. It’s discipline.
It’s the ability to adapt and pivot in the face of challenges, to bend without breaking. It’s understanding that resilience doesn’t mean being unyielding; rather, it’s about embracing change and uncertainty with an open heart and mind.
True strength comes from the willingness to face discomfort, to step outside your comfort zone, and to grow from the experiences that life throws our way. It’s the quiet confidence that allows us to acknowledge our vulnerabilities while still standing tall.
Flexibility Is A Mindset
Flexibility is a mindset—a way of approaching life with curiosity instead of fear. It’s about finding solutions rather than getting stuck in problems, about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles.
Cultivate that flexibility. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and let them shape you into a stronger version of yourself. Remember, it’s not the circumstances that define us, but how we respond to them that truly matters.
The Siege of Ngātapa: A Real-Time Pivot
One of Te Kooti’s most legendary moments was the Siege of Ngātapa (Dec 31, 1868 – Jan 5, 1869). After the attack on Matawhero—a retaliatory strike after years of being hunted—he and his people retreated to Ngātapa, a remote fortress high in the steep, forested hills near modern-day Gisborne, New Zealand. It wasn’t just a defensive move—it was a calculated pause to regroup, protect his people, and plan the next step.
But the colonial forces and their Māori allies soon laid siege. Ammunition dwindled. Supplies ran out, and surrender crept closer.
Disciplined Flexibility and Guerrilla Warfare
Then, in a move that rewrote the rules of guerrilla warfare, Te Kooti led a creative nighttime escape down the sheer cliffs surrounding the fortress. The descent was so steep and dangerous that even seasoned fighters thought it impossible.
But Te Kooti had studied the land. He picked the precise time and route to avoid detection. Slipping silently through ferns and rock, dozens of his followers followed him into the darkness, vanishing into the dense bush below.
His tactical genius saved lives and preserved the movement. That escape was a masterclass in adaptive leadership.
That’s what it looks like to pivot under pressure.
True Resilience Shines
True resilience shines through in moments of uncertainty, when the stakes are high. It’s about reassessing the situation, recalibrating your goals, and embracing change, even when it feels uncomfortable.
When faced with challenges, the ability to adapt becomes crucial. It’s not just about survival; it’s about finding new opportunities in the chaos. Those who can think on their feet, who can innovate and redirect their efforts, often emerge stronger and more equipped for the future.
This Works In Your Business And Personal Life
It doesn’t matter if it’s in your business, personal life, or any other arena; the act of pivoting is a testament to one’s agility and determination. It requires a willingness to let go of old strategies that no longer serve you and to embrace new paths that may lead to unexpected success.
Ultimately, pivoting under pressure isn’t just a skill; it’s an art form. It’s about reading the room, understanding your resources, and being brave enough to take a calculated risk. And while the outcome may be uncertain, the journey of adaptation is where growth truly happens.
How Do You Apply Flexibility In Your Life?
Te Kooti’s story isn’t just about history—it’s a results-focused, high-performance blueprint.
He lived during a time of intense pressure. Colonization. Cultural loss. Chaos. And still, he led with purpose. He adapted fast, used a smart strategy, and never lost sight of what mattered most: his people.
When his forces were outnumbered, he didn’t panic—he pivoted. He turned the landscape to his advantage. He led with creativity, not just courage. And he stayed rooted in his identity, even while changing his tactics.
This is what flexibility looks like in real life.
How do you apply that kind of leadership?
- At work? Stay focused on your mission—but shift your strategy when the pressure rises.
- At home? Hold tight to your values—but grow with your family’s needs.
- In your coaching practice? Stick to your core philosophy—but adapt your approach for every client.
- In life? Know when to stay planted—and when to change direction fast.
That’s the EDGE.
How can you practice being more flexible?
✅ Lock in your values – What are the 3 things you stand for no matter what?
✅ Drop the ego – Are you being stubborn or strong in your opinion?
✅ Build a Plan B – And a Plan C. Flexibility needs backups to achieve your goal.
✅ Train your calm – You can’t flex if your nervous system’s fried.
✅ Debrief regularly – What worked? What didn’t? What’s the next outcome?
How Can You Improve The Situation?
Where in your life are you gripping too tightly? Where are you way too loose in your perspective?
What fear is behind that behaviour, and what would it look like to bring strength and softness into that situation?
You don’t have to choose between strong and flexible. You can be both.
Stand firm in your beliefs, but remain open to change. Adaptability doesn’t mean compromising your values; it means finding new ways to uphold them in a changing landscape.
What Can You Do Today?
Write down your top 3 values. Then list 3 places where you feel stuck or off-track.
Now ask: is it time to adjust my method—or adjust my mindset?
Take one intentional action this week that combines:
- Focus: something rooted in your values or priorities
- Forward traction: something that feels doable or reduces resistance
This helps you stay anchored in what matters—and keep taking real steps forward.
Final Thought: Real Strength Is Adaptive
Te Kooti didn’t wait for perfect conditions. He acted with what he had, where he was, and trusted the mix of his conviction and flexibility to lead the way. That’s the kind of leadership that changes outcomes—and it’s the kind of mindset you can choose today.
Remember, flexibility is not a weakness but your ally.
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have it all figured out.
But you do have to move.
You do have to check your grip: Are you holding on too tightly to something that’s no longer serving you? Or floating too loosely without direction?
Your strength isn’t in never changing—it’s in knowing when to pivot and why.
That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.
So ask yourself:
📍 Where do I need to hold firm this week?
📍 Where do I need to shift my approach?
Your next move doesn’t need to be big. It just needs to be on purpose.
That’s what gives you an EDGE.