Resilience reimagined: rethinking what it means to be strong!
In today’s work environment, personal resilience is crucial as it directly affects our ability to navigate the complexities of the workplace.
Resilience, defined as the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, plays a vital role in our success and wellbeing. Resilience can help us adapt to change. In today’s fast-paced World, change is constant, whether it’s modern technologies, market shifts, or organisational restructuring.
We all need to navigate these changes while keeping motivated and on track. As we build our resilience, we become more flexible and open-minded, seeing change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.
A key aspect of resilience is the ability to recover from setbacks. Failure and obstructions are inevitable in any career, but resilient individuals view these experiences as learning opportunities. They analyse what went wrong, adjust their strategies, and move forward with renewed determination. This mindset not only helps them grow but also instils a personal culture of continuous improvement. Resilience also contributes to better mental and physical health. I know from personal experience, in our quickly moving life, we often face long hours and high demands, which can lead to burnout if not managed properly. Resilient individuals prioritise their wellbeing by supporting a healthy work-life balance, practicing stress-relief techniques, and seeking support when needed. This self-care ensures they stay energised and effective in their roles, reducing the likelihood of exhaustion and its detrimental effects on their performance.
Self-compassion is crucial in the journey of resilience and self-discovery. Treating oneself with kindness and understanding, especially during times of failure or difficulty, can significantly and positively affect our emotional wellbeing. Self-compassion involves recognising that everyone experiences setbacks and challenges, and it is important to be gentle with oneself during these times. Practicing self-compassion can reduce self-criticism and enhance self-esteem, making it easier to bounce back from adversity.
I’m sure you’ve all heard someone say, “I’m my own worst critic”? I know, I have many times. I have always felt this way about myself, my actions, my results, and my choices throughout my career. However, I have discovered that if we are able to be less self-critical, we can give ourselves the opportunity to become more resilient. I have often reassured colleagues, given praise to people around me for a job well done and offered words of encouragement to those who needed support. So why shouldn’t we do that for ourselves? Becoming our own ‘best friend’ in times of difficulty is a strength that helps build resilience. Dare I say, if we take it one step further, why not give ourselves praise for a job well done or reassurance and encouragement when it is needed? I have stumbled on the belief that, if we look after ourselves emotionally, we are better equipped to look after those around us far better!
Life is inherently unpredictable, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial for emotional stability. This involves being open to new experiences, learning from setbacks, and adjusting one’s approach as needed. Embracing change and uncertainty with a positive attitude enables us to navigate challenges more effectively and emerge stronger.
Cultivating a positive mindset is also essential for emotional resilience. This involves focusing on strengths and achievements rather than dwelling on weaknesses and failures. Positive thinking does not mean ignoring problems, it means approaching them with a solution-oriented mindset. Practicing gratitude, for instance, can shift focus from what is lacking, to what is already present and appreciated in life. Keeping a gratitude journal or regularly reflecting on positive experiences, can foster a more optimistic outlook, which is crucial for resilience.
The power of self-affirmation
By believing in ourselves, we are more likely to take initiative and make positive changes in our lives and places of work, which enhances overall resilience. In addition to these benefits, self-belief strengthens self-esteem and self-worth. Individuals who believe in their abilities are more likely to have a positive self-image and feel worthy of success and happiness. Self-talk is a powerful tool for building resilience. By consciously directing one’s internal dialogue, individuals can cultivate a mindset that supports perseverance and recovery in the face of adversity. Positive self-talk involves affirming one’s strengths and capabilities, which bolsters confidence and reduces self-doubt.
Fig.1. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (author Carol Dweck 2006)
Phrases such as “I can handle this” or “I am capable and strong” can reinforce a resilient attitude. Research has shown that the mind doesn’t differentiate between talking to yourself, aloud or in your head. You should engage in whatever form of self-talk is most comfortable for you, so long as the act is conscious and in the proper context. The most beneficial forms of self-talk are either instructional or effective at linking thought and action. They help you approach the task at hand, take you through each step, and encourage you along the way.
Positive affirmations work through the mechanism of neuroplasticity. This is the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. When we repeatedly affirm something, we’re essentially training our brains to accept it as a reality. This process can change the way we think, feel, and behave. Several studies support the effectiveness of affirmations, suggesting that they can reduce stress, increase self-worth, and help individuals maintain their sense of integrity in the face of challenges. When we affirm our values, it reinforces our self-concept, which in turn motivates positive behaviour.
Embracing a growth mindset is essential for developing self-belief. A growth mindset involves viewing abilities and intelligence as qualities that can be developed through effort and learning. This perspective encourages individuals to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and persist in the face of difficulties. By adopting a growth mindset, individuals can cultivate a belief in their potential to grow and improve, which significantly enhances their resilience (see figure 1).
We may not steer every twist of life’s journey, but we can command our mindset and emotional landscape. By exploring our inner self, our values, ambitions, and strengths, we can unlock clarity and forge true resilience.
This is more than reflection, it’s personal leadership in action. The future never waits for ideal conditions, it responds to those brave enough to shape it. So, put your best foot forward and push beyond what you thought possible. Shape the life that reflects your inner strength and vision.