When you are hit with misfortune, how do you respond? Do you tend to fall apart or do you rebound from it? Have you ever wondered if you have this essential trait called resilience?
“Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, or stress. It means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences…..It is ordinary, not extraordinary…..It is not a trait that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone.” The American Psychological Association.
The trait of resilience is being studied and promoted with rising interest and gusto. It gives you the ability to withstand the hard knocks of life, cope with stress adaptively and come out on the other side a winner.
Here are 10 helpful ways to develop this invaluable ability and quality in yourself:
- Connect: Nurture good relationships with family, friends and others.
- See: Obstacles are surmountable, regardless of how daunting they appear.
- Accept: Change is a part of living.
- Make: Set realistic, meaningful goals and keep moving towards them.
- Act: Make a plan, take decisive actions on the situation.
- Discover: Look for opportunities for self-growth in the situation.
- Develop: Improve self-concept, trust your instincts and grow self-confidence.
- View: Step back and gain a longer, broader, wider perspective.
- Hope: Maintain an optimistic outlook, visualize what you want in the future.
- Care: Tend to your mind and body through food, exercise, meditation, journaling.