PsycologyToday.com says RESILIENCE is the process of being able to adapt well and bounce back quickly in times of stress. It involves developing thoughts, behaviors, and actions that allow you to recover from traumatic or stressful events in life.
In our most recent blog post, I covered the qualities of businesses that are resilient - that survive and grow - even in the event of an economic recession. One thing is clear... part of what makes a company resilient is having a leader that is resilient, and in this post I'm going to cover resilience as a personal skill, what it is and how to build it up.
Psychologist Susan Kobasa says resilient people:
Resilience is a skill that can be developed... it’s NOT the case that you either have it or you don’t, and if you don’t, you’re out of luck. Everyone can develop this skill.
We are experiencing some challenges now, and this will not be the last time. So, having the skill of resilience will serve you now and continually in your future.
Challenges are like most things in life... not all good or all bad. We view challenges as bad because they're uncomfortable, we have to struggle through them, put in extra effort to get through, and sometimes experience pain through the struggle, BUT... challenges are also the ONLY way to know what you’re capable of. If you're comfortable, you're probably not growing.
Tchiki Davis, PHD at Berkely Wellbeing Institute says you can develop resilience by doing these 4 things
Bonus tip: Any time you are struggling emotionally, try to think of the situation from someone else's perspective instead of your own, like you are watching it as a fly on the wall. (This generally helps lessen the intensity of your emotions and allows you to think in a new way, which means you could also have new ideas or solutions you wouldn’t otherwise have.) How would an observer evaluate the situation, would an observer understand why you're upset, and is there another perspective to consider?
Dr. Cal Crow - Program Director at Center for Learning Connections says resilient people:
John F. Kennedy said “A rising tide lifts all boats,” and though he was talking about the economy, funny enough, it applies to personal growth and resilience, too. I believe the psychologists are saying that, by improving your resilience, you can improve many facets of your wellbeing. It’s like resilience is the tide and your success and wellness are boats.
Remember, your resilience - or lack of it - also affects those around you. Practicing resilience has a positive impact on your entire life and the networks you belong to...your family, community, business, and others who may need your example.
Other ways to Develop Resilience (from a variety of sources): Recognize signs of stress in yourself - Practice thought awareness - Accept that change is part of life - Keep things in perspective - Build physical hardiness - Strengthen relaxation response, be able to calm your body and mind - Identify and use your strengths - Increase positive emotions daily - Engage in meaningful activities - Question unhelpful thinking - Think about the good that could happen - Be part of a caring community - Ask for help when you need it - Avoid negative outlets or escapism - Keep moving toward your goals, even if tiny steps - Look for opportunities for self-discovery - Meditate - Cultivate forgiveness - Develop your problem-solving skills - Continue to grow your skills in general - Develop a sense of humor.
written by Amiee Mueller
edited by Gloria Otto
Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash
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