Digging Deeper: What is resilience and why does it matter?

In our fast-paced and constantly changing world, it's more important than ever to have resilience. But what is resilience, and why does it matter?

In recent years, the terms resilience and resiliency have become quite popular. This is likely since we live in a time when the world seems to be moving faster than ever before and we are constantly bombarded with new challenges and stressors. It's no secret that the past decade has been a difficult one for many people. Between economic downturns, natural disasters, and political turmoil, it's been easy to feel like the world is against us.

?As a result, more and more people are looking for ways to boost their resilience so that they can better cope with the demands of modern life. At its core, resilience is about more than just surviving tough times; it's about striven despite them. And while resilience is often thought of as something that we're born with, it's something that can be learned and developed.?There are many ways to build resilience, but some of the most effective methods include meditation, yoga, journaling, and spending time in nature. By taking steps to improve our resilience, we can not only better withstand the challenges of life but also thrive despite them.

Over the years I began to wonder, after hearing the term resilience so often used in many different scenarios whether resilience was being masked with the word desperation. Desperation is often seen as a negative emotion, one that can lead us to act in ways that we wouldn't otherwise. And while it's true that desperation can result in some less-than-ideal choices, it's also worth noting that desperation can be a powerful motivator. Many of the most successful people in the world have overcome seemingly insurmountable odds by tapping into their resilience and determination in the face of desperate circumstances. So while it's important not to let desperation get the best of us, it's also worth remembering that it can be a powerful force for good.

While looking back at my own life, I saw a combination of both desperation and resilience. In May 2009, at the height of my Naval career, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure. I was told by the medical professionals that my kidneys will eventually fail, and I would need a transplant. The news hit me hard. All my plans were suddenly in jeopardy. I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I was scared and didn't know what to do. However, I quickly realized that I couldn't just sit around and wait for things to happen to me. I had to act and fight for my future. I started researching treatment options and talking to specialists. I also reached out to my friends and family for support. Slowly but surely, I started to feel more hopeful about my situation. These days, I'm have gotten a transplant and I looking forward to a long and wonderful life.

When I was medically retired from the US. Navy, I felt I was placed in a very difficult position. I was grasping for something more, chasing after goals that seemed just out of reach. I was afraid of failure, and I was terrified of being stuck in the same place forever.?As the breadwinner for my family, I had to move my wife and three young kids from Japan to California. I took every college course that was available to me in a rush to complete my degree and even work the midnight shift at target. Was this being resilient? I honestly don’t this so. I believe that desperation is what fueled me to take such drastic measures. Fear of not being able to provide for my family was my main motivator.

?Looking back, I can see that I was simply reacting to the situation instead of being proactive. If I had been more mindful, I might have been able to find a job that better suited my skills and experience. As it was, I ended up working long hours and going into debt just to make ends meet. In the end, it was my wife who helped me to see that desperation is not the same as resilience. She showed me that true resilience is about facing your fears and finding a way to overcome them. Thanks to her, I was able to follow my true passion of being a Lean Six Sigma facilitator and start my own business in organizational development and leadership skills.

In today's world, it is more important than ever to understand the difference between desperation and resilience. To be desperate is to be driven by fear. It is to give up in the face of adversity, to give up on ourselves and our ability to overcome challenges.

On the other hand, resilience is about facing our fears head-on. It is about finding the strength within ourselves to keep going, even when things are tough. It is about believing in our ability to find solutions and create positive change. In a world that is often filled with challenges and hardship, we must choose resilience over desperation. By doing so, we can maintain our hope, our courage, and our belief in a better future.

Looking back, I am grateful that I was able to make the shift from desperation to being resilient. I strongly believe that this is possible for anyone, but the first step is through self-awareness and being truly honest with yourself.

Making the shift from desperation to resilience has been one of the most rewarding changes I've ever made. It's allowed me to live a more peaceful, productive life - and it's something that I believe anyone can do if they're willing, to be honest with themselves and take the first step.

Now, instead of living in fear, I focus on my goals and what I want to achieve. I'm no longer afraid of failure because I know that even if I don't reach my goal, I will learn and grow from the experience. And instead of being afraid of being stuck in the same place, I'm grateful for the stability and security that comes with it.

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Written By: Keshawn Cupid LSSMBB

www.modernkaizen.com