Building Resilience
Resilience is often described as “Bouncing Back from Adversity” and even “Thriving under Pressure.” Some experts see this as being able to “resume your original shape” following periods of challenge and stress.
In contrast others may feel they are almost crumbling in the face of adversity and unable to cope with the mounting pressures facing them whether these may be professional or personal.
Resilience is often seen as reflecting mental toughness often reflecting your ability to think clearly under pressure enabling you to achieve the results you desire even if the circumstances are not favourable at the time.
The feeling of being able to cope with whatever life is throwing at you and being able handle difficult situations while looking after yourself and others and handle whatever life throws at you is often seen as a characteristic of resilient people.
Inherent in being resilient is a capacity to avoid failure even when circumstances are not exactly favourable for success.
Using the acronym “ROPES” can often help build resilience where each letter stands for key elements that help build Resilience as follows:
R. Refers to Regulation
Often focusing on improved “time management”. So, to build resilience often requires a more structured approach to managing time, along with re distributing your energies. For example, if you are a “Lark” reflecting a morning and detail person, then dealing with tasks that require your detailed concentration are best dealt with in the morning. Compare this with someone who is more like an “Owl” and comes to life, later in the day, then dealing with more complex tasks may be better suited to later in the day.
O. Refers to Optimism
Resilient people despite current adversity are able to see “the light at the end of the tunnel” and focus on a greater likelihood of long term success giving them the energy and belief they will ultimately succeed. Surrounding yourself whenever possible with positive people with optimistic energy can help together with being thankful for the good things you may have, like sound health and great family and friends.
P. refers to “Purpose”
Building a clear purpose and set of goals is often a characteristic of resilient people. Even if the journey to achieve those goals is currently fraught with obstacles, having a defined and clear purpose behind your efforts to succeed can help give you the strength and resolve to keep going.
E. refers to “Energy”?
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Making sure that you support your efforts to succeed by having sufficient “power in your own personal battery” through a managing key lifestyle habits is key. A sound diet with adequate nutrition to provide you with sustained energy throughout the day is key plus not compromising on essential items like sleep, is also important as the latter is when your cells repair, so should not be compromised.
S. refers to “Stamina”?
The will to keep going requires both mental and physical endurance. So, setting goals that are attainable in short “bites” can help create solid building blocks that will lead to success. This is as opposed to being overawed by challenges that are to vast, sometimes clouding the pathway to a clear vision of what is needed. Underpinning stamina and energy is the need to stay fit in endurance terms through regular exercise. This will give you the physical fortitude to “last the distance” and should not be sacrificed to the lash of ambition.?
(Sunderland Wright & Thakery, 2022)
“Control the controllables”?
Imagine 3 circles -
The one in the middle (Circle of Control) reflect issues that are solely down to you and that only you can really influence and control.
The 2nd circle surrounding this is called the “Circle of Influence”.
You have significant input but others also have a role to play in decision making and outcomes.
Thirdly on the outside is the “Circle of Concern”. This has issues and challenges that may be important but where you have no direct control or influence.
To build resilience you may be wise to focus your attention and energy on the “Circle of Control” and to a degree the “Circle of Influence” while accepting that the “Circle of Concern” has importance but at the same time cannot command your attention. The ability sometimes to also cultivate the art of saying ”No” to avoid falling into the trap of trying to be all things to all people can help protect your energy and resilience.?
Be well - Dorian