How to be More Resilient: 10 Attributes to Cultivate

Resiliency – the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress; an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.

There is a bumper sticker that says “Change is the only constant.” It’s amazing how simple truths fit so easily into bumper stickers, but not so easily into our lives. Just ask a new mother during the first year of her child’s life, or a college student having to rearrange work and school every three months, about change. Change is not easy, but it does come, sometimes often and unexpectedly.

Having the ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change comes in extraordinarily handy. In a world where change is the constant, resiliency has an advantage; resilient people are success stories. Realizing that not everyone is naturally resilient, let’s look at some of the characteristics of resilient people:

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• yourself
• determination
• fresh perspective

1. Resilient people put things in perspective. They are not lost in their own world. They have learned how to step aside and see things from another angle.

2. Resilient people are always exploring their options. If one door closes, they look for another door or a window. They even create them when needed!

3. Resilient people have excellent problem-solving skills. They can brainstorm and negotiate with the best! They are critical thinkers and will exhaust all of their resources if necessary.

4. Resilient people know to take care of themselves, physically and emotionally. They understand the link between the mind and the body. They fuel themselves with nourishing food, enjoyable exercise and healthy relationships.

5. Resilient people have the ability to re-frame their experiences to see the positive side. They are always looking for the silver lining, the rainbow after the storm. They ask questions like, “What can I learn from this experience?”

6. Resilient people use positive self-talk. They spend time thinking about the new and good, what they want versus what they do not have. They understand the power of positive affirmations.

7. Resilient people let go of the past and do not worry excessively about the future. However, they do learn from past experiences and plan appropriately for the future.

8. Resilient people know how and when to ask for help. They do not try to do everything themselves. Nor do they expect others to do everything for them. They understand the benefits of tapping into the strengths of others. They look for synergies.

9. Resilient people enjoy the moment, recognizing that life is not a dress rehearsal. They know how to live in the NOW. They do not put important things off for another day. They seize life with no regrets. And they have a sense of humor about it all.

10. And maybe most important of all, resilient people know what they can and cannot control. They know the only thing in their control is “me, myself and I”. They can’t control their boss, their spouse, children, parents or their friends. They can’t control the economy or the weather. And they are not overly concerned with how others view them. However, they know they can control their response and their attitude in relation to all of these things.

Tips & Warnings

• Two words! Extreme self-care.
• Positive self-talk.
• Be flexible.
• Ask for help. It's okay. Really.
• Let go.
• Laugh!
• Start a gratitude journal.
• If you are going through extreme change, such as the death of a loved one, a chronic illness diagnosis or corporate acquisition, ask for a referral from your health care professional. It can be truly helpful and healing to vent with a therapist during extremely stressful times.

Resources

• Get support around health, wellness and life!

[MIHealthCoach]

on 8/1/2008 This will be a very helpful article for many people, 5 stars!

[MIHealthCoach]

on 8/1/2008 This will be a very helpful article for many people, 5 stars!

[MIHealthCoach]

on 8/1/2008 This will be a very helpful article for many people, 5 stars!