Resilience in a Challenging Time

The Merrimack-Webster Dictionary defines resilience as the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress, or an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change. It is still early part of the year, but 2020 has been a tumultuous year, one filled with triumph and tribulations. The mounting death tolls worldwide is a stark reminder to all of us how unpredictable the world can be, how brief our moment of life is, how to be resilient, steadfast, and strong, and in control of ourselves. And at the heart of it have been tests of the human spirit. I find it truly remarkable how resilient people are when faced with difficult times. In the current environment, it is more important than ever before to stay resilient, stay positive and have the clarity on priorities in our personal life and business needs. Here are a few thoughts I would like to share.

Reflect on what is truly important

As human we always want to be more than ourselves, always want to do more than we can. The current crisis provides an opportunity for us to take the time to reflect on all aspects of our life on how we are spending our time, on the meaning of life, on what is truly important. Our ability to make an impact with our lives often depends on what we decide to prioritize. Likewise, the roles and responsibilities of business leaders have also dramatically changed in the past few weeks in terms of priorities. Once you’re clear on your priorities, you’ll be able to make better and quicker decisions that guide your choices.

• Do what you know is right at a personal level. It can be through exercise, meditation, or spiritual practices. The simple practice of reading on a daily basis can transform you and have long lasting benefits. Likewise, regular writing has allowed me to have better clarity on issues I previously thought I had understood.
• Your relationships are your source of happiness and purpose. In a crisis situation, none of us can do it alone. We need people to inspire us so that we can inspire others. We have lesser pains and regrets when we stay with the people we love or care about. Whether it’s family, friends, community, stand by them and take this opportunity to connect with them.
• Show empathy and sensitivity to your colleagues. Many people have family or friends who are directly or indirectly affected by the virus situation. We often discuss the virus in generic terms, but we should have the sensitivity that the discussion may have very personal implications to our colleagues. Each individual has different needs, issues, and concerns. 
• Show appreciation to those heroes such as medical staffs and nurses. At the same time, we should also demonstrate appreciation to those employees who keep businesses running and maintain a sense of normalcy during this crisis time.

Face the adversity head on and find ways to persevere

It is often said that it’s not what happens to us but how we respond to what happens that makes all the difference in the end. life is full of ups and downs with huge momentum shifts. This is just how life is, and adversity is a big part of that experience. However, adversity doesn’t need to be a negative experience. In fact, dealing with adversity can become a very positive and nourishing experience that can lead to personal development and growth opportunity.

In crisis situation, it is always important to differentiate between what we can control vs what we can’t have influence over. As an example, a flight is delayed or cancelled due to the virus, no amount of complaints to an airline representative will change the fact. And on top of that, time spent hurling yourself at the moment is time not spent on the things we can change. This is not the time to whine and complain about your situation. In fact, the waiting line for gratitude is much shorter than the line for complaint. This is the time to change your story and march on. This is your moment to do something meaningful, to stretch yourself, and to even act out of desperation to make things right. It’s a test of endurance and forbearance.

Be part of the solution by performing our civic duty

While news of vaccines and medications for Covid-19 generates excitement in the fast news cycle, the reality is the world can not afford to wait for vaccine which most experts believe is at least six months to a year away. Meanwhile, the best approach we have seen is for everyone to perform individual civic duty by following the recommendation or guidance from medical experts such as social distancing, working from home, and avoiding gathering. Your own behavior or action is not only responsible for the safety and health of your self and your family, but also everyone around you. Social distancing interventions are important as they represent the only measure guaranteed to be available against Covid-19. It is a civic duty for all of us to make some sacrifice for the better of the society. Covid-19 offers us a glimpse into a world where a global catastrophe hinges on the willingness of individuals to do their part. We seem to be willing, somewhat, to do our part only on the brink of catastrophe, rather than willing to change our lifestyle to address tipping points to global crisis. In the end, it will not be the brilliance of scientists, but the collective efforts of everyone doing their part that the world will remember when it looks back at how this crisis was overcome.

Make this a learning moment

“It is only when the tides goes out that you discover who’s been swimming naked.” As usual, adversity reveals whether there is predominantly good or bad within oneself. Adversity does not build character; it reveals it. Likewise, pandemic will reveal character and leadership. By and large, human spirit rises up to stare down the crisis, with millions of people donating time and money, donating protective masks to those needed. Tens of thousands of nurses and medical staffs who know the risks and still, bravely do whatever is needed to help others in the fight against the Covid-19 virus. At the same time, Covid-19 also brought out the worst in some - from people hoarding thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer to revelers crowding bars despite public-health guidelines. Worse yet, there are also those who are simply using the opportunity to manifest hidden feelings of racism towards particular nationality or ethnicity. But such irresponsible behavior may be more the exception than the rule. We should all make this crisis as a teachable moment about the best of people.

Yes, these are scary, trying, difficult times, and they are likely to get worse before they get better. However, this is not the first time and certainly not going to be the last time we face such global challenges. Just think about what difficult time meant for the generations before us who had to go through similar crisis or much worse. Even more recently, many came out stronger from the 2000 tech bubble burst, 2003 SARS, or the 2008 financial crisis. The only way for us to get out the current crisis is to come together and join hands in helping fight the battle against this crisis together. No matter how deep your struggles, no matter the challenges before you, there is sunshine over the mountaintop. And when you get to the other side - and you will - it will be glorious. 

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