Resilience can be a Double-Edged Sword

In the context of a human virtue, resilience is the capacity to weather difficulties, survive adversity, and face adversity using psychological and spiritual resources (Whitehead & Whitehead, 2015). In other words, resilience, as a positive trait that allows individuals to overcome adversity and challenges, is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations, to recover from setbacks and to persevere in the face of obstacles.

However, resilience can also be a double-edged sword, as it can lead to negative consequences such as burnout, stress, and a lack of balance in life, as well as create tunnel vision where the drive to get through something overpowers taking the right actions.

On the one hand, resilience is a crucial characteristic for success in both personal and professional life. It enables individuals to stay motivated and focused in the face of obstacles, and to maintain a positive attitude even in the most challenging circumstances. Resilience is particularly important in times of crisis, as it allows people to adapt quickly to new and uncertain situations, to find creative solutions to problems, and to learn from their mistakes.

Also, resilience is not a fixed trait but can be developed over time through practice and experience. People who cultivate resilience are more likely to take risks, to persist in the face of setbacks, and to learn from their mistakes. This ability to learn from experience is essential for personal and professional growth, and it can lead to increased self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

On the other hand, resilience can also have negative consequences when it is not balanced with self-care, self-compassion, and a healthy dose of objectivity and thoughtfulness. People who are highly resilient may be more likely to push themselves too hard, to ignore their own needs, and to neglect their physical and emotional health. This can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and a loss of passion and enthusiasm for life.

As such, resilience can become a source of stress and anxiety when individuals feel pressure to maintain their positive attitude and their ability to cope with challenges. This can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection, as people may feel that they cannot share their struggles with others for fear of being perceived as weak or vulnerable.

Resilience can also be a double-edged sword in interpersonal relationships. People who are highly resilient may be perceived as strong and independent, but this can also make it difficult for them to ask for help or to show vulnerability in their relationships. This can lead to a lack of intimacy and emotional connection with others, as well as a sense of loneliness and isolation.

In addition, resilience can be a double-edged sword in the workplace. While it is important for employees to be able to cope with stress and challenges, employers may also expect their employees to be constantly resilient, which can lead to a culture of overwork and burnout. Employees who are highly resilient may be less likely to speak out about workplace issues or to advocate for their own needs, which can lead to a lack of work-life balance and a sense of dissatisfaction and disengagement with their jobs.

Without taking time to think through the challenge or issue and its roots objectively and thoughtfully, wrong assumptions are possible, thereby causing resilience to be ineffective in achieving a helpful attitude. When resilience is not aligned with personal values and a goal-directed solution, its personal toll is exacerbated and prolonged. Any challenge calls for an assessment and translation of values and needs into an action plan that is specific, relevant, measurable, attainable, and time-bound; in other words, a SMART plan that utilizes resilience to look forward into the right direction.

Therefore, to avoid the negative consequences of resilience, it is important to cultivate self-awareness but also self-compassion. People who are able to recognize their own limits, to take breaks when needed, and to ask for help when necessary, are more likely to maintain a healthy balance between resilience and self-care.

So, it is important to recognize that resilience is not a fixed trait but a process that requires ongoing effort and practice. People who are able to learn from their mistakes, to adapt to new situations, and to stay motivated and focused on their goals, are more likely to cultivate resilience in a healthy and sustainable way.

Recognizing the importance of social support in building resilience is equally helpful. People who have strong relationships with friends, family, and colleagues are more likely to cope with stress and adversity, and to maintain a healthy balance between resilience and self-care. Social support provides a sense of connection and belonging that can counteract the negative effects of isolation and disconnection.

In conclusion, resilience is a double-edged sword that can have both positive and negative consequences. While it is important to be steadfast in the face of adversity, be so in a self-aware and goal-directed way so that resilience moves you towards a positive outcome and does not cause additional distress.

References

Whitehead, J. D. & Whitehead, E. E. (2015). The virtue of resilience. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books.