Resilience is built over time, from the early bumps and bruises of childhood to recovering from failures in adulthood. We learn that the world isn't always on fire, and it's critical to have a support system, practice self-care, and understand our limits. As professionals, we will face challenges that test our abilities and make us question ourselves. However, with intentional effort, we can use these moments to PROPEL our growth and future success.
Here are some key components for building and maintaining resilience:
1. Have Clear Goals
Knowing that you're making progress toward mutually agreed-upon goals provides positive reinforcement. Here's how to stay on track:
Set Professional and Personal Goals: These help gauge progress and ensure you’re making improvements.
Revisit Goals Regularly: Assess their relevance and adjust as needed.
Commit to Yourself: Define what you aim to achieve and hold yourself accountable.
Seek Support: Good leaders and coaches can help you overcome obstacles and build self-accountability.
2. Build a Village
A strong support network is essential when times get tough. In childhood, it was our parents or teachers who we most often turned to when we skinned a knee or felt sad about how we were treated by someone. In adulthood, and especially in the workplace, it's important to have those go-to people to support us. Consider the following:
Network, Network, Network!: Building our resilience muscles is a team sport. It is a critical skill and a very necessary task, not only for career development, but also for navigating through obstacles and challenges. Find colleagues who've walked in your shoes or ones that might offer an alternative line of thinking or challenge your assumptions. Let their input inform your decisions and choices.
Seek Guidance: Who do you turn to for advice on workplace politics or tough challenges?
Get Perspective: Sometimes a trusted third party, like a coach, can help you see things clearly and provide necessary support.
3. Identify and Manage Triggers
Recognize what leads to negative self-perception or self-doubt and know when to take a break. A coach or mentor can help:
Spot Patterns: Identify when you feel most pressured or deflated.
Prevent Spirals: Implement measures to avoid negative self-assessments or anger towards others.
Create Routines: Have 2 or 3 reset exercises, like taking a walk, listening to a song that pumps you up or playing a game to take you to a different head space.
4. Embrace Change
Change is inevitable. Be open to the possibilities change brings. Resisting it is often futile, so learn to adapt.
See the Positives: Find the benefits that come with change.
Learn from Experience: Change can be daunting. It also brings new perspectives and opportunities.
Become a Change Champion: Figure out how to maintain a positive perspective about change and help others navigate through the change
5. Learn from Mistakes
Mistakes are part of growth. Embrace them and learn.
Analyze the Impact: Understand the real consequences and what can be learned.
Adopt a Growth Mindset: Follow the mantra "Go, Learn, Iterate" to encourage experimentation and learning from failure.
Build Resilience: Work through mistakes with the help of a coach to strengthen your ability to handle setbacks.
Consistent Effort Pays Off
I like the phrase "gentle pressure consistently applied" as a reminder that work like this takes time and consistency to see positive results. What steps will you take today to start building resilience in yourself or on your team?
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