We’ve all been there: a challenging moment hits, and your mind is suddenly flooded with anxiety, fear, or anger. Your rational thoughts seem to vanish, replaced by a storm of emotional reactivity. In these moments, it can feel impossible to make a clear, confident decision. But what if you could instantly access a calmer, wiser perspective? The key to a more resilient mindset lies in developing flexible thinking.
Author and entrepreneur Poppy Jamie introduces a simple but transformative concept to help us do just that: the “flexi mentor.” This technique is a powerful way to expand your mindset, ground yourself when emotions run high, and learn how to think clearly under pressure.
This guide will explore the power of Poppy Jamie flexi mentors and provide you with a three-step framework to build your own “personal board of directors” to guide you through any challenge.
The Trap of Emotional Reactivity
When we are faced with a stressful situation, our brain’s emotional center, the amygdala, often takes over. This triggers a “fight-or-flight” response that narrows our focus and limits our ability to think rationally. Our thoughts become rigid, and we get stuck in a loop of worry or anger.
Flexible thinking is the ability to break out of this loop. It’s about being able to see a situation from multiple perspectives and adapt your approach as needed. A flexi mentor is a tool that helps you do this by forcing you to step outside of your own emotional brain and into a different, more resourceful one. This is a practical, in-the-moment technique you can use to [calm your amygdala] and regain control.
3 Steps to Build and Use Your Flexi Mentor Team
The beauty of a flexi mentor is that you don’t need to know them personally. They can be anyone—a historical figure, a business leader, a fictional character, or an author—who you admire for specific qualities.
Step 1: Assemble Your “Personal Board of Directors”
The first step is to choose 3-5 mentors who can guide you in different areas of your life. You are not looking for one perfect person, but a team of specialists.
- Who do you admire for their courage? (e.g., Brené Brown, a historical leader)
- Who do you admire for their creativity and innovation? (e.g., Steve Jobs, an artist)
- Who do you admire for their calm and compassion? (e.g., a spiritual leader, a calm-headed fictional character like Atticus Finch)
Write down your list. This is your personal advisory board, and you can consult them anytime.
Step 2: Define Their Superpowers
For each mentor you’ve chosen, write down the specific qualities or principles they represent for you.
- Example:
- Mentor: Oprah Winfrey
- Qualities: Empathy, authenticity, finding a deeper purpose.
- Mentor: A successful entrepreneur you follow.
- Qualities: Bold decision-making, resilience, strategic thinking.
This step clarifies why you are turning to them and what specific wisdom you are trying to access. In essence, each mentor represents a different one of the [mental models] you can use to analyze a situation.
Step 3: Ask “What Would They Do?” in a Crisis
This is where the magic happens. The next time you feel that surge of anxiety or indecision, pause. Take a deep breath. Then, “consult” your board.
- The Situation: You’re terrified of giving a big presentation at work.
- The Question: “What would [my courageous mentor] do right now?”
This simple question—”what would they do“—instantly shifts your perspective. It moves you from your own fear-based, emotional thinking to a more objective, empowered mindset. You are no longer just you, trapped in your own anxiety; you are channeling the courage, logic, or creativity of someone you admire. This simple reframe is a powerful way to [how to think clearly] when your own mind is clouded. For more on Poppy Jamie’s work, you can explore her book, “Happy Not Perfect.”
Conclusion: Access a World of Wisdom
You have access to a limitless supply of wisdom that exists outside your own head. The Poppy Jamie flexi mentors technique is a powerful and practical way to tap into that wisdom whenever you need it most.
Flexible thinking is not an innate talent; it is a skill that can be cultivated. By building your own personal board of directors, you are giving yourself the tools to navigate challenges with more grace, confidence, and clarity.
Who is the first member of your flexi mentor team? Choose one person you admire today, and the next time you feel stuck, ask the simple question: “What would they do?” You might be surprised by the powerful answer you find.
