Building Resilience: Thriving in a World of Change

In today’s unpredictable world, change is the only constant. Whether the shift is personal, professional, or societal, adapting is crucial as we make sense of the world, our experiences, and things often out of our control. A 2023 report by SAS underscores an alarming statistic: nearly 46% of leaders lack the resilience needed to tackle today’s challenges. This statistic emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize resilience-building among leadership teams. Despite this reality, each of us has the ability to withstand adversity and emerge stronger.

Change can be daunting, and it can include job loss, medical crises, personal loss, and navigating parenting in the digital age. Change can also be a powerful catalyst for growth. When we embrace change, the unknown becomes less of a threat and transforms into a chance to learn and evolve. By shifting our perspective, we can uncover new paths and possibilities, leading to personal and professional development.

What Are the Benefits?
– Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Resilient individuals experience less stress and anxiety, leading to a more balanced life.

– Strengthened Relationships: Building resilience improves our communication and empathy skills, fostering a deeper connection with others.

– Improved Problem-Solving: Resilience boosts our ability to think critically and creatively, helping us tackle challenges effectively.

Where Do I Start?

1. Adopt a Growth Mindset:

Think about an early-career misstep and reflect on what you learned. Ideally, there will have been enough distance so you can clearly see the good that came out of it. I will never forget my most significant learning. I was newly hired as a consultant and was asked to prepare and send a document within a specific timeframe. I drafted the document and waited until 7:00 p.m. for my supervisor to return and review it. After all, I knew it needed to be sent that same day. My supervisor didn’t return to the office, so I chose to hit the deadline and emailed the document before I left.

When I returned to the office the next day, the partners called me into a meeting, and I immediately knew they were not pleased. They explained the document I sent wasn’t what they had in mind, didn’t reflect what the client needed, and didn’t represent their goals, brand, or firm reputation. I sank into my chair, feeling confident I would be fired. Fortunately, they gave me a second chance, and I will never forget the immeasurable learnings I took from that situation. At the time, it was gut-wrenching and cringeworthy, yet over time, I saw what a gift that situation was. That was over 20 years ago, and I have since embraced failures as stepping stones toward success.

Tip: Make it a habit to jot down lessons from successes and setbacks. Reflecting on these experiences helps reinforce a growth mindset and prepares you for future challenges.

2. Be Real:

Tap into your network of friends, family, colleagues, and coaches with vulnerability. No one has an Instagram-perfect life, and it’s futile to imagine no one else experiences challenges. Life is messy and has ups and downs—that we can all count on. So when things become difficult, be real with those closest to you. You’ll learn we have more shared experiences than differences, often leading to mutual understanding and support. Once you’ve built this muscle, consider being candid with others and offering an unvarnished view into life.

Tip: Start small by contacting friends or colleagues for regular check-ins. Join groups related to your interests to share experiences while learning from others.

3. Reframe Loss of Control:

Channel your energy into what you can influence and let go of what you cannot. If this is difficult, start with a small, manageable, unplanned change. I often think when my children wanted to go to the park, but an unexpected storm rolled in. I vividly remember the disappointment on their faces. They didn’t understand how to handle the letdown of not doing what we had planned. These were very low stakes, but I took this moment to regroup and reframe the situation. The rain gave us a gift by allowing us to build a fort, enjoy an indoor picnic, and bake cookies all afternoon.

Tip: Practice reframing by identifying one unexpected change each week and focusing on its potential benefits. For instance, a canceled meeting might free up time for self-care.

4. Take a Pause:

Incorporate short breaks into your day to recharge and reset. I refer to these moments as pauses. They allow me to clear my mind, regain focus, and maintain my energy levels. Whether I take deep breaths, step outside to enjoy nature, or recall the people who uplift me, these pauses empower me to face challenges with renewed energy and even more clarity.

5. Celebrate Your Wins:

It’s easy to overlook our achievements and dwell on perceived shortcomings. A few years ago, I found myself unable to identify wins. I ruminated on the negatives so often that I couldn’t identify any bright spots. During that moment, my coach encouraged me to jot down my big and small wins. This tangible reminder of my successes keeps me motivated and reminds me of my resilience.

In today’s environment, resilience can be our anchor and compass. It helps us navigate life’s tumultuous waters and transform challenges into forward movement. By fostering resilience through supportive relationships and managing our emotions, we empower ourselves and others to thrive despite adversity. Join me in this journey—share your story, connect with me, and let’s build a resilient future together.