Re-Investing in your Resilience
Anthony McCabe, co-founder and CTO, Connect Psych Services
My 7-year-old son came home from footy training pumped kicking 3 points in a practice match. Upon asking why he was so excited, he turned around and said, “every point gets me closer to kicking that goal, dad.” Wow, I was completely blown away from this comment and enquired more. “That’s what the coach wants us to focus on. Although we may miss, we have to keep trying until we can.” This statement clearly resonated in him along with the rest of his teammates, to keep going; to keep trying.
It then got me thinking about how many “points” I see kicked in business and how many individuals stop trying. Its no secret COVID knocked out the resilience of many, so how can we start to re-grow? Why is it important to re-invest in resilience and what are the benefits?
Resilience is the capacity to endure and rebound from adversity, as well as to grow and develop despite life’s challenges. It’s crucial to understand that being resilient necessitates developing a set of skills that can be honed and improved with time. Building resilience is a process that requires patience, perseverance, and support from those around you, and setbacks are common along the way. Resilience does not imply that individuals are immune to stress, emotional turmoil, or pain. Rather, it involves working through these experiences and coming out the other side stronger and more capable.
So this is what I have learned and what sticks out for me. Although I try to incorporate these into my everyday family life, I now realise I need to show up every day, get up and try again. How can you integrate some of these habits to shield you from those harder days?
Resilient individuals possess a keen sense of perspective. While they pay attention to small details, they are also able to see the bigger picture. This holistic approach prevents them from fixating on minor issues, and their actions reflect a comprehensive vision that values both the forest and the trees.
Resilient individuals are open-minded. They understand that staying receptive to new ideas and opportunities is crucial for personal growth. They welcome feedback and often conclude conversations with a sense of receptivity.
Resilient people are aware of their blind spots. They willingly accept feedback and criticism, and they use this knowledge to identify their blind spots. Instead of fearing them, they address them, allowing them to prepare adequately for any situation.
Resilient individuals seek help. They acknowledge that they can’t tackle every problem alone and are willing to seek guidance from experts. They recognize that mastering a transition or challenge often requires outside assistance, and they aren’t hesitant to request help.
Resilient individuals enjoy solitude. They are not afraid of exploring their inner selves and view introspection as an opportunity for growth rather than stagnation. They relish the learning process without distractions from others.
Resilient people value and cultivate relationships. They value people and prioritize their connections. Although they understand power dynamics, they don’t let titles dictate their level of interaction. They know that building relationships require time and effort, and they are willing to invest in the process.
Resilient individuals develop multiple plans. They understand that various factors can impact their goals and prepare several contingency plans accordingly. They often have more than one optimal plan in place, allowing them to adapt and pivot quickly while still achieving outstanding results.
Resilient individuals practice self-care. They acknowledge that they are susceptible to challenges and make daily efforts to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being. This may involve adhering to a specific bedtime, avoiding certain foods, or incorporating a daily meditation practice. They integrate self-care into their routine and understand that saying “yes” to every request can deplete their energy reserves. They conserve their resources and utilize them appropriately.
Resilient individuals are empathetic. They have a keen ability to feel emotions at a human level. They may use their heartfelt emotions as inspiration to innovate or mentor others. They view empathy as a fundamental human quality.
Resilient individuals carve out space for creativity. They often engage in creative endeavors that are not intended for public consumption, such as writing a song, journaling, or painting a canvas. Many innovative ideas emerge from these creative activities.
Resilient individuals use positive self-talk. They understand that every day is not perfect and that self-criticism can impede their ability to bounce back from setbacks. They acknowledge mistakes and experience disappointment, but they don’t get stuck in negative thought patterns.
Resilient people view challenging situations through a lens of gratitude. They recognize that gratitude is essential for overall well-being. Even in dire circumstances, they cultivate a sense of well-being by expressing gratitude for something positive. They know that this shift in perspective can make a significant impact, even if it is brief.
