Resilience

Perseverance and diligence in the face of setbacks

 

People with this competence:

• Know how to cope in spite of setbacks, barriers or limited resources;

• Are willing and able to overcome obstacles to get what they want;

• Bounce back from adversity and disappointments;

• Are flexible and adaptable; and

• See setbacks as temporary and failures as isolated and short term.

 

People lacking this competency:

• See failure as permanent;

• Demonstrate inflexible thinking;

• Tend to dwell in the past, get “stuck” in the past and can’t move forward; and

• Experience a great deal of negative “self-talk” (“what were you thinking?” or “you’ll never come back from this one”).

 

Development tips:

• For starters, practice healthy living – we can’t be resilient if we’re lacking sleep, are stressed, or mal-nourished.

• Build in periods of rest and renewal so you can face life’s inevitable tough times with strength;

• Challenge the negative “self-talk” – ask yourself, “what’s my real belief here?” and “is there any evidence behind this self-doubt?”;

• See setbacks as temporary and disappointments as isolated, short term and specific to the circumstance, not as permanent or applicable to all situations;

• Seek support from others in your life – encircle yourself with helpful family and friends – you don’t have to go it alone; and

• Read biographies of resilient people and learn from them.

 

Quotes:

“If at first you don’t succeed, you’re running about average” - Unknown

“Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.” - Lou Holtz

“Your choice: victim or victor.” - Unknown

 

Great Resource:

The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength and Overcoming Life’s Hurdles, by Karen Reivich

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