Resilience – Part 2

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” 

– Nelson Mandela

Previously, I discussed the importance of resilience. When we face difficulties, we have the choice to either avoid them or work through them.

Research shows that when we work through the challenges life brings, we tend to come out of it stronger and more resilient.

While it’s important to recognize the benefits of resilience, it still leaves the question of how to become more resilient. After countless hours of research, I found that there isn’t a secret formula to become more resilient. There’s no magic pill that will help equip you with the tools you need to endure negative circumstances.

What I did find, however, is that there are thought patterns and behaviors that one can adopt to help cultivate resilience.

Here are the top five results:

  1. Nurture a positive view of yourself. One of my favorite quotes comes from American motivational speaker Denis Waitley: “It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not”. Our self-talk has the ability to push us to be better or prevent us from being better. Many times people focus on the areas they need to grow in, while neglecting to acknowledge their areas of strength. Taking the time to motivate yourself, even when you don’t feel like it, can lead to some pretty powerful results.   
  2. Maintain perspective. In the moment, it may seem as though negative moments will last a lifetime. Although we all may face different challenges, I can assure you that we’ve made it through 100% of what life has thrown at us thus far. How do I know that? Well, you’re reading this blog aren’t you? No matter how tough life gets, we have the power to maintain a positive perspective. Challenge yourself to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 
  3. Accept that change is a part of life. This is an obvious point, but one that many people struggle to accept. As long as you live, there will always be change. It can feel as though life is constantly dealing you the bad cards, and while it may be true that some trials are more detrimental than others, recognize that everyone has to endure change at some point. Sometimes we have no control over the changes that happen, however, it’s beneficial to remember that when you can’t control your environment, you can always control your response. 
  4. Have a good support system. Having people in your corner that love and support you is a basic human need. They may not always know what to say or what to do, but the fact is, trials are a lot better when you have someone facing it with you. Knowing that there are people in your corner cheering you on can help you stay motivated and give you the push you need to keep going.
  5. Develop good self-care habits. This is important whether you’re enduring trials or going through a season where everything is going great. Getting into the habit of regular self-care is a must for overall mental health. Go for a bike ride or get that massage you’ve been wanting. When you take care of yourself regularly, you give both your mind and your body a foundation to be able to handle stress in a healthy way.  

Written by: Salima Hart