REBOUND

Life has a funny way of making us practice what we preach. Many of us are called to lead, to inspire and be a guide, a trusted advisor for the masses – while inside we are crumbling and suffering in silence. Going back to my days at Morehouse College we were constantly reminded of the fact that “heavy is the head that wears the crown.” And to be 100% transparent the last 6 months or so for me has been just shy of a humble hell. Although not outwardly showing the challenges I was enduring- I kept up the image, delivered and poured into others despite my pain.

I had no clue that the message God gave me during the Pandemic would not just be a catch-phrase but indeed a way of life. REBOUND- a message I received so clear while strolling down Venice Beach in California- now means so much more because it’s not just a concept, it’s indeed a way of life- a way of being.

You see, Life is unpredictable, and it's not uncommon to face challenges such as setbacks, disappointments, financial struggles, divorce, and even death. These hardships can be incredibly difficult to navigate, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, defeated, and at times, hopeless. However, the ability to rebound and bounce back from these challenges is a critical skill that can help us regain our footing and move forward in life.

So, this is somewhat therapeutic of sorts for me as I share what I hope can help others who may find themselves in these “valley moments”. So if you’ll indulge me I’d love l explore the concept of resilience, the importance of rebounding after setbacks, and tips for cultivating a resilient mindset.

What is Resilience?

Resilience is the ability to adapt to stress, adversity, trauma, or significant life changes effectively. It involves being able to bounce back from setbacks and overcome challenges with strength, optimism, and determination.

Resilience is not a fixed trait that some people possess, and others lack. It is a learned skill that anyone can develop with practice and effort. Resilient individuals have a set of habits, behaviors, and attitudes that help them cope with stress and adversity and push through!

Why is Rebounding Important?

Rebounding after setbacks is critical for several reasons. First of all, it helps us avoid becoming stuck in negative patterns of thinking and behavior- I call this stinkin’ thinkin’- and I believe we all have been guilty of this one time or another. When we experience a setback, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. However, if we allow ourselves to become stuck in these negative feelings, we may struggle to move forward in life. Simply because we give power to our words and our feelings and that can and will shape our outcomes and ultimately our destiny.

Secondly, rebounding after setbacks builds resilience and helps us become stronger, more resilient individuals. Every time we overcome a challenge or setback, we learn valuable lessons about ourselves, our strengths, and our limitations. These lessons can help us grow and develop as individuals, becoming more capable of handling future challenges. Failure and struggle can indeed be the best teachers.

Finally, rebounding after setbacks can help us cultivate a positive, optimistic mindset. When we bounce back from challenges, we become more confident in our ability to handle adversity. This confidence can help us approach future challenges with a sense of optimism and hope, rather than fear and anxiety. My mentor Tony Robbins says it best: “Fear is simply undirected imagination”, so let’s direct our imagination which is indeed having Faith!

I get asked a lot of questions about this topic, and since I am clear that repetition is the mother of skill, here’s my take on Cultivating Resilience- The Power to Rebound!

Cultivating resilience is a process that requires effort, practice, and commitment. Here are some tips for building a resilient mindset:

• Practice self-care: Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is critical for building resilience. Make sure to prioritize healthy habits such as exercise, sleep, healthy eating, and stress-reducing activities such as meditation or yoga.
• Develop a growth mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Rather than seeing setbacks as failures, view them as opportunities to develop new skills and mew perspectives. We give words and experiences meaning.
• Build a support network: Surround yourself with people who encourage and support you. Having a strong support network can help you navigate challenges and bounce back more quickly. There is power in proximity.
• Set realistic goals: Setting goals that are challenging but achievable can help you build confidence and motivation. It's important to set goals that are within your control and aligned with your values. Most of us overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate what we can do in decades.
• Practice gratitude: Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can help you develop a more positive, optimistic mindset. Take time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for, no matter how small. Gratitude in my opinion, is the most powerful emotion on the planet.

So, overall the ability to rebound and bounce back after setbacks is critical for building resilience and living a fulfilling life. Cultivating a resilient mindset involves practicing self-care, developing a growth mindset, building a support network, setting realistic goals, and practicing gratitude. By incorporating these habits into your daily life, you can become more resilient and better equipped to handle life's challenges.

So, my challenge to you today is simple- never forget: Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond, so make a conscious decision to be better for you- Let’s Rebound Together!

#Rebound #SelfCare #LeanonMe #PowerInProximity #Gratitude #FaithOverFear #GrowthMindset #PersonalDevelopment #Transparency #ItsOKtoNotBeOk