One quality that is truly useful in business.

How often have you heard this question asked, "What three words best describe you as a salesperson or the essence of who you are?" The word that immediately surfaced to mind: Resilient.

Over the years, I have observed that being resilient is one of the qualities that is revered; whether you are Sales, Marketing or a top level Executive. How does one become resilient? Developing resiliency is a fundamental necessity for all human beings, even if they do not have quotas hanging over their heads or the huge stressors of making the key decisions to run companies.

What is the secret? Emotional intelligence and adaptability. The ability to adapt yourself with greater ease in constant change or handling difficult circumstances, which require movement in a new direction, is profitable.

Over the years, I have come to appreciate the various ways that emotional adaptability activates and expands physical and mental adaptability. It is a path to renew our spirit and strengthen our resolve that builds resiliency. One person who used his emotional adaptability was Albert Einstien. Albert Einstein is almost as well known for his humility and compassion as for his scientific genius.

One thing that Einstein learned over the years was that renewal mattered. He believed, it not only kept him healthy, but also made him more receptive to new ideas. Einstein loved to play the violin, relax on his sailboat or drift aimlessly on his canoe near Princeton University. While it was well known that he committed himself to the passion of his work, what is less known is that, with almost equal verve, he pursued the passions of his non-work endeavors. He recognized the value of emotional and mental renewal so he kept working on it, amidst all his fame. There is a lesson here.

Juggling a busy travel schedule to the West Coast over the past few months, I have been reflecting on the intricate balance between what we do for a living and how we “recharge our batteries.” How do we propel ourselves to be more creative and increase our ability to see things in fresh new way?

One of the techniques I have found to be useful is to take some breaks in mid-day, where I spend quiet moments doing something that brings relaxation to my mind, making space for renewal to take place. Perhaps it is 10 minutes of pleasure reading, or making a phone call to a close friend (rather than texting) or just getting out of the office to enjoy a little sunshine on my face.

Making time for yourself is essential to create “islands of peace” in the midst of your weekly array of tasks, problems, and demands which compete for your attention and energy. It is during these "breaks" where the mind can relax and make room for the creation of something new to take place. It could be a new idea, solution to a problem or building a new agreement with a colleague. Through a pattern of daily renewal, the consistency will help us become resilient. You can accomplish more, create more, and arrive to be the powerful person you are destined to be.