Flexible flexibility isn't a single, universally defined concept. The term's meaning depends heavily on context. Let's explore different interpretations:
1. Flexibility in the Context of Physical Movement
This is the most straightforward interpretation, drawing directly from the provided references. "Flexibility is the ability of a joint or series of joints to move through an unrestricted, pain-free range of motion." So, "flexible flexibility" could refer to:
- The degree to which flexibility itself can be improved or adapted: A person with initially poor flexibility might exhibit greater flexible flexibility if they show significant improvement in their range of motion through training. This suggests a capacity for enhancing one's flexibility.
- The adaptability of flexibility to different situations: A highly flexible individual might maintain good flexibility across various activities and physical demands. Their flexibility remains flexible because it adjusts well to different postures and movements. For example, a gymnast might exhibit great flexibility in multiple routines.
2. Flexibility in Non-Physical Contexts
Beyond physical movement, "flexibility" appears in various contexts:
- Schedule Flexibility: As described in some of the references, a "flexible schedule" implies the ability to adapt one's work or daily routines to changing demands. Flexible flexibility in this sense means the ease with which schedule flexibility can be adjusted further. A company with a flexible schedule might demonstrate flexible flexibility by rapidly adapting its policies to accommodate employee needs or market changes.
- Behavioral Flexibility: This refers to the ability to adjust behavior in response to changing environments or demands. Flexible flexibility here could indicate the speed and efficiency with which this adaptive behavior is modified. For instance, a person who quickly learns to adjust their strategies in a video game showcases flexible flexibility in their behavioral adaptation.
- Funding Flexibility: In grant-making, flexible flexibility might describe the extent to which the terms and conditions of funding can be adapted to meet unexpected challenges or opportunities faced by the recipient.
3. Flexibility in Engineering and Design
- Design Flexibility: In engineering and design, as noted in the provided links on PTC Community, flexibility describes the adaptability of a design to changes in dimensions or other parameters. Flexible flexibility in this context would signify the ease with which this adaptability can be further altered or improved. A design with easily modified parameters exhibits high flexible flexibility.
In summary, "flexible flexibility" is a contextual term describing the ability to adapt or modify flexibility itself, whether physical, scheduling, behavioral, or design-related. The degree of this adaptability defines the level of "flexible flexibility."
