You just never know when the next curveball is coming your way. Life is full of divergences and unexpected  events that can shake a person to the core. It happens in business; it happens in our personal lives and it happens to us all.

Recognizing you’re not alone when life tests your emotional resolve is a good starting point for developing resiliency. History is full of stories about people who have overcome unthinkable circumstances. Also, there are the people we know personally, our co-workers, neighbors, friends and family members who have endured the unexpected and have carried on. There are models of resiliency all around us that we can look to for inspiration.

Accepting accountability is another step in improving our resiliency. In some circumstances you have no control over a negative event. In most cases, however, the choices you make influence the outcome of a problematic situation. It’s important to recognize the contribution you’ve made to an adverse experience so that you can learn from your actions. It’s how you choose to frame your involvement that matters. It’s healthy not to dwell on your stressful event. Instead, chalk it up to experience that has made you more aware and better prepared to tackle similar circumstances in the future.

Developing strong personal connections and confiding in those people is another key element of developing resiliency. When you open up to someone you trust, you can receive both empathy and feedback about your adverse situation. When receiving advice from your confidants about your role in the situation, you may become defensive. Remember, there is a reason your friends are sharing their perspective with you. Be open to their input, consider your options, and be grateful for the opportunity to place more tools in your emotional tool bag as you move forward. 

Take good care of yourself during a trying time. Be aware that you may lose your appetite, and your sleep habits may suffer. Stress does a number on us physically as well as emotionally. Make a plan to counterbalance your tension by going to the gym or taking walks. Physical exertion improves your oxygen intake, burns calories, and can release endorphins that help you relax. It’s also easy to slide into unhealthful eating habits when anxiety is palpable. Make it a priority to actually improve your diet during trying times. Taking charge of your health habits requires discipline, and discipline is an attribute of resiliency.

Resiliency is about empowerment.

“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

―Nelson Mandela

We all live in an uncertain world. Developing resiliency is important to our long-term emotional well-being. At Possibilities we help our seminar participants maintain a healthful, balanced perspective. We explore emotional intelligence and provide tangible tools that can help you navigate life’s challenges with more confidence.