Blog #5: Resilience – The Art of Bouncing Back and Growing Stronger

My favorite class in college was on organizational psychology, and it taught me one of the most profound lessons of my career: the heartbeat of any organization is its people. This understanding has guided me in every role I’ve taken on, and I am forever thankful to the teams I’ve had the privilege of working with on this journey. Each collaboration has deepened my appreciation for resilience and growth in the people I work alongside—experiences I will never forget.

We often hear about resilience, yet it’s uniquely personal to each of us. It’s easy to get mixed messages about handling adversity: society tells us to “rub some dirt on it” or hands out trophies for the smallest steps. The truth of resilience, however, lies somewhere between those extremes. As a working mom, I’ve had to navigate the unknown, the overwhelming, and the deeply challenging at home and in my career. Each experience has brought valuable lessons—many of which I learned through moments of struggle and self-reflection.

But resilience is not just about bouncing back. It’s about finding a way to stay present in difficult moments and allowing those experiences to shape us. One of the hardest things to accept is that struggles aren’t signs of weakness; they’re signs that we’re stepping into something that matters. Each challenge is a push toward growth, and that growth isn’t meant to be easy. When you care deeply about something, whether it’s your children, your team, or your career, those personal struggles become part of the process. Growth comes from facing what’s uncomfortable and allowing it to shape you in ways you might not expect.

Resilience in Action: Supporting My Daughter’s Alpine Racing

One of the most impactful experiences I had in teaching—and learning—about resilience was watching my daughter, Maddie, take on alpine racing. She was only 11, and while she was an incredibly talented skier, joining a team pushed her far outside her comfort zone. Her dad and I had reached the point where we could no longer support her growing skill level alone, so signing her up for a team seemed like the best next step.

On the second day of practice, Maddie felt overwhelmed, anxious, and ready to quit. I could feel her fear and doubt because I felt them, too—this was new territory for both of us. Supporting her meant having a difficult conversation and encouraging her to try something she was terrified of. I wanted to protect her, but I knew encouraging her to stick with it could open up something remarkable.

Through tears, I told her that while she could ultimately decide, she should give it a fair chance and push through her fears. That was a moment of resilience for both of us: I had to help her navigate a painful experience while trusting she’d find her strength. Later that day, her coach took her under his wing for a few extra runs, and Maddie kept going. Years later, she’s a state champion and even a coach. Watching her grow in confidence, find her own resilience, and reach a point where she can help others has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

This journey taught us that resilience is about overcoming uncertainty and discomfort and knowing that growth lies on the other side. As parents, partners, or professionals, resilience means holding space for both fear and courage and finding a way to move forward despite our doubts.

Turning Insecurities into Assets: Key Takeaways for Building Resilience

Resilience isn’t about eliminating insecurities or doubts but finding strength within them. The challenges we face in life, whether in parenting or our careers, are often the moments that help us discover our true capacities. Remember: nothing worth fighting for is easy, and it’s okay to feel the weight of the struggle. Here’s how to turn those insecurities into assets that fuel your resilience:

1. Acknowledge Your Fears – They’re Part of the Process Insecurity thrives in silence, so start by acknowledging your fears. Whether you’re anxious about a new role at work or the uncertainty of your child’s path, give yourself permission to feel these emotions without judgment. Recognizing your doubts isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to your self-awareness. Use this awareness as a starting point to confront what’s holding you back and focus on what you can do to grow.
2. Define Your ‘Why’ – Let Purpose Guide Your Resilience When you feel like giving up, return to your reasons for persevering. Why did you start down this path? What value does this journey bring to your life or the lives of those around you? In moments of self-doubt, purpose can be your anchor. Knowing your ‘why’ can transform hesitation into drive, giving you the clarity to take another step forward, even when it feels hard.
3. Embrace Failure as a Tool for Growth – It’s Your Most Honest Teacher Failure has a way of revealing our blind spots, but it also shows us where we need to grow. Instead of viewing failure as an endpoint, see it as a tool for improvement. Take time to reflect on what didn’t work and how you can approach things differently. Growth comes from repeatedly standing back up and adjusting your approach, not from avoiding the hard stuff.
4. Practice Micro-Resilience – Small Wins Fuel Big Changes Resilience isn’t built in a day; it’s a collection of small moments where we choose to keep going. Set small, achievable goals that help you build confidence over time. Each win—no matter how small—reinforces the belief that you’re capable of overcoming obstacles. These micro-moments of resilience build the foundation for facing bigger challenges.
5. Seek Out Mentors or Allies – Resilience Isn’t a Solo Journey Some of my best mentors have taught me to focus on understanding the really important moments in life, whether with your kids, family, business, or customers. It’s a skill that requires practice and attention—always looking for the deeper meaning in an experience and recognizing if it has the potential to create a core memory. Those are the moments to focus on, to be fully present, and to let shape your journey. Resilience is often born from connections and the insight of others who see our potential and challenge us to grow. Surround yourself with mentors, colleagues, or friends who uplift and support you, and be willing to ask for guidance when needed.
6. Turn Self-Doubt into Curiosity – Shift from “Can I?” to “How Can I?” Doubt is natural, but instead of letting it hold you back, turn it into a question of curiosity. Instead of asking, “Can I really do this?” ask, “How can I approach this challenge in a way that plays to my strengths?” This shift encourages a growth mindset, which turns insecurity into an asset by focusing on solutions and fostering a sense of exploration.
7. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Success – Honor the Journey True resilience lies in valuing the progress you make, not just the end result. Celebrate every step you take toward your goals, even if the ultimate success feels far off. By focusing on progress, you reinforce your resilience, and you’ll find that the journey itself offers as much growth as the outcome.

Embracing the Uncomfortable for Long-Term Growth

These takeaways aren’t just about getting through challenges; they’re about building a resilience that transforms insecurities into strengths. The journey will have moments of difficulty and doubt, but that’s what makes the growth so meaningful. Life’s greatest rewards come from facing the hard parts, learning from them, and ultimately emerging stronger and more capable.

Resilience doesn’t mean the road is easy—it means you’re willing to walk it, one step at a time, knowing the effort is what makes the destination worthwhile.

In my next blog, I’ll explore the power of saying “no.” Knowing when to set boundaries and prioritize what truly matters can be a profound step in building resilience and sustaining your well-being. Stay tuned!

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