Shana Duthie

Resilience – Why you need it and how to build it.

As a child, I was told that I was blessed with the ability to be resilient. I never really considered what that meant and why it would become an essential trait as I journeyed through life.

Resilience is defined as “the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” Your ability to adapt to difficult situations and see them through depends on your resilience.

Being resilient is vital to success for several reasons:

♦︎Success often involves encountering obstacles, setbacks, and failures along the way. Resilience enables individuals to bounce back from these challenges, learn from their experiences, and continue moving forward toward their goals.

♦︎Resilient individuals are better able to stay motivated and persevere in the face of adversity. They have the mental toughness and determination to keep working toward their goals, even when faced with difficulties or setbacks.

♦︎Success in today’s rapidly changing world requires adaptability and flexibility. Resilience enables individuals to adapt to new circumstances, pivot when necessary, and seize opportunities that arise rather than being derailed by unexpected changes or setbacks.

♦︎Resilience fosters a growth mindset, emphasizing learning from failures and setbacks. Successful individuals view challenges as opportunities for growth and development rather than insurmountable barriers. They use setbacks as learning experiences to improve their skills, knowledge, and strategies for future success.

♦︎Success often comes with high levels of stress and pressure. Resilient individuals are better equipped to manage stress effectively, maintain emotional stability, and focus on their goals, even in demanding situations.

♦︎Resilient individuals tend to have strong social support networks, which can provide encouragement, guidance, and resources during challenging times. These relationships are valuable assets that can help individuals navigate obstacles, overcome barriers, and ultimately achieve success.

So, what is it that makes us resilient? Research has shown a variety of factors, but one of the main ones is having supportive relationships in childhood. Strong social connections with family, friends, and community provide us with a buffer against stress and adversity. Additionally, being able to cope with stress, maintaining a positive outlook, and believing in oneself are all traits of resilient individuals. Resilient individuals additionally have a strong EQ and can regulate their emotions. If you are looking to build resilience, then focusing on improving these areas has been shown to help. Therapy or counseling can also assist those who choose to work this route.

Overall, resilience is critical in achieving success because it enables individuals to overcome obstacles, maintain motivation, adapt to change, learn and grow from experiences, manage stress effectively, and build supportive relationships.

Let me know how being resilient has helped you in your life. I look forward to reading your comments.