Resilience is a word we hear every day. Have you ever stopped to think what it means?

Resilience always feels like an afterthought – something that someone displayed during a project or sporting event. When I think of people who showed resilience I picture the runner who pushes forward through an injury,  the businesswoman who never gives up hope after being passed by for promotion, or a child who picks themselves up and stands up to a bully.

Resilience is amazing, but I don’t think about resilience from day to day. I don’t approach a project saying – How can I be more resilient in this project.

So when I see corporate clients asking me to do team building on resilience, I get excited!

It is a real opportunity to positively enhance professionalism, HireAbility, and corporate wellness in difficult times. 

Resilience is a silent strength within you that propels you forward during difficult times and at some times we have more resilience than others but I have good news for you.

Like confidence (Read Here) – Resilience is like a muscle, and with the understanding of how it works, practice of the attributes of a resilient person, and continuous effort, you can build and strengthen your resilience and the resilience of your team.

At its core, resilience is the art of facing challenges head-on with an open mindset and never giving in to a problem.  It requires you to bend without breaking, forging ahead with the mental fortitude and adaptability that allow us not just to weather life’s uncertainties but to thrive in it.

If you want to build the skills of resilience in yourself and/ or your team – there are a  few basics that you can embrace on a day-to-day bassist that will build the foundation of personal resilience, and when you display this resilience, you become a better leader, and those around you will become more resilient as well.

Step One: The Right Mindset – it all starts with your mindset.

Get comfortable with challenges by framing them to your advantage.

If you want to be more resilient, you must learn to be optimistic to a fault. We aren’t talking toxic positivity, either. We are talking about becoming so focused on a positive outcome that you will dedicate yourself to whatever ‘path’ it will take to get you to your decided destination.

You have to remember that whatever your goal is, it isn’t point A to point B. You have to settle in for the journey – the big picture and be willing to take whatever path you find yourself on to get there.

One way you can do this is through reframing your pep talk before an event and through managing your internal dialogue when you find yourself going down a path of negative or limiting thought patterns.

Here are a few examples for you:

1. Let’s say you have a challenging coworker who always requires several explanations before coming to the same conclusion that everyone has already come to.

What can you do before you go to work that day if you can express gratitude for the opportunity to practice your communication skills through listening, asking questions, or being more prepared when approaching said individual for a project/task.

You can reflect after the conversation and find the silver linings – although they may have taken a while to understand the project while explaining it you got a good idea for a way to present it to the leadership before bringing it to the client. 

2. Maybe you had to have a difficult conversation with an employee or co-worker.

You can reframe your inner dialogue after the conversation to find something gained, a personal discovery, a building of relationships. 

I handled that conversion well – even though the employee was initially upset – we came to a better understanding and I gained more insight into her side of the situation.

I am glad that I had this opportunity to get to know them better and I think I understand now how to handle these situations better in the future. It is always nice to see what other members of our team are thinking and feeling so I can get to know how to work with them more efficiently. 

3. Maybe you have a skill gap on the team, and you are finding it difficult to finish a project to the degree you originally desired.

The Reframe: 

This is your chance to show your team that you can be adaptable and rise to a challenge or meet new and exciting expertise outside of your organization and potentially open your professional networking circle. 

You may be now presented with an opportunity to approach leadership to take a certification program to add to your resume. Or perhaps you can support one of your team members on their journey towards achieving more professional standards. 

Do you see what we are doing through reframing our mindsets around difficult situations?

Takeaway:

Starting with your mindset will foster optimism within yourself and your team by focusing on the positive aspects or outcomes of even the most challenging situations.

• Re-frame challenges as opportunities for personal and professional evolution rather than insurmountable challenges that are career/project ending. 
• Find the silver linings of even the most challenging situations through finding the silver lining – Gratitude Practice (try my gratitude challenge)

Step Two: The Right Environment

Just as cultivating the right mindset involves positive reframing, building a resilient environment starts with establishing a robust support network.

Surround yourself with individuals who believe in your capabilities and provide encouragement.

Forge connections with friends, family, and mentors who serve as pillars of support. Your tribe should consist of individuals who share common values, understand your goals, and contribute positively to your growth.

Examples:

1. Navigating a Career Transition – Focus on networking with dedicated entrepreneurs and business owners as a way to surround yourself with motivated individuals. Consider reconnecting with old friends, family members, or colleagues and practice your conversation skills. 
2. Dealing with Personal Setbacks? Surround yourself with supportive people who have been through a transition recently and made their way through it. Perhaps listen to videos of inspiring stories similar to yours. Join a support group to meet others actively working towards bettering themselves so that you are always putting one foot in front of the other. 
3. Set boundaries with people who limit you or make you feel bad about yourself. This will only hold you back and setting healthy boundaries not only helps you to navigate difficult relationships – it also makes room for positive influential ones. 

By intentionally creating and nurturing a supportive environment, you not only enhance your ability to face challenges but also contribute to the collective resilience of your network.

The journey becomes a shared experience, making the path to growth and success more fulfilling.

Step Three: The Right Behavior

Start small with discipline and focus on adaptability with a positive mindset.

Resilience thrives on adaptability. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than a hindrance. Cultivate a mindset that views challenges as chances to learn and pivot, making adaptability a cornerstone of your behavior.

Examples

Maybe it is hot (or cold) outside and you don’t like it? Decide to stay out a little longer to show yourself that you can handle it. 

Maybe you normally walk into the office in a specific way? Walk a different way.

Next time you take a wrong turn or miss the exit try to find something beautiful on the unintended route that makes you smile.

Next time you cannot find parking –  park in the furthest possible spot and set the intention to have a few extra moments for a deep breath on the way into your event. 

Resilience is not about avoiding setbacks it is about learning how to adapt to them – figure out what you can learn from each time there is a deviation from the plan. from them. Approach setbacks as valuable lessons, extracting insights that contribute to your personal and professional development.

Building resilience is akin to crafting a suit of armor for the soul. It’s a dynamic, ongoing process that not only shields us from life’s blows but transforms challenges into opportunities for profound growth. Embrace the journey of resilience—through it, discover the depth of your true strength.

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