Resilience is such an interesting trait for a person to have. It’s that special something that allows some people to bounce back from adversity and hardship, seemingly with ease.
You might wonder what sets these individuals apart. They typically have strengths—qualities anyone can develop with time and effort.
In this article, we’re going to unpack these 8 strengths of resilient people.
1) Embrace change
Change can be daunting. It’s unpredictable, uncertain, and can often feel uncomfortable. But those who bounce back from adversity and hardship typically have a unique relationship with change.
Whether it’s a sudden job loss, the end of a relationship, or a global pandemic, life is constantly throwing curveballs our way.
And the resilient among us? They don’t shy away from these changes but embrace them.
They see each shift as an opportunity for growth, a chance to learn something new, or a way to become stronger.
They adapt, evolve, and roll with the punches. And this adaptability is a critical strength in their ability to bounce back time and time again.
2) Maintain a positive outlook
Life is full of ups and downs, and trust me, I’ve had my fair share.
A few years back, I suffered a pretty significant setback in my career. I was passed over for a promotion I had been tirelessly working towards. It hurt, and it was hard not to let negativity and self-doubt take over.
But here’s the thing about resilient people: even when life gets tough, they manage to maintain a positive outlook.
I chose to see the situation as an opportunity to reassess my goals and ambitions. I started focusing on the positives, like the valuable skills I had gained and the new doors that could open for me.
This shift in perspective didn’t happen overnight, but it made all the difference. Eventually, I found a new role that was a much better fit for me.
Maintaining a positive outlook is not about ignoring reality or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about focusing on the good amidst the bad and finding hope in adversity.
3) Practice persistence
Resilient people have a knack for persistence. They keep going, even when things get tough. Because they understand that the path to success is often littered with obstacles and setbacks.
Take Thomas Edison, for instance. He made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”
This kind of persistence is a testament to the resilient spirit. It’s not about never failing, but rather, it’s about getting up each time you fall. It’s about viewing each setback as just another step towards your goal.
So next time you face an obstacle, remember Edison and his light bulb.
Keep going, my friend!
4) Cultivate self-awareness
There’s something truly powerful about knowing yourself deeply. And this is something resilient people seem to have a firm grasp of.
Self-awareness is all about understanding your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, and beliefs. It’s about knowing what makes you tick, and what ticks you off.
When you’re self-aware, you can recognize when you’re spiraling into negativity or when stress is starting to take its toll. You’re able to step back, assess the situation, and take action to get back on a healthier path.
Resilient people use this strength to navigate through adversity. They take time for reflection, they’re honest with themselves, and they make adjustments as necessary.
Cultivating self-awareness takes time and effort, but it’s an investment that pays off admirably when life throws you a curveball.
5) Show compassion
Compassion—it’s a simple concept, but it can make a world of difference. Resilient people not only show compassion to others, but they also show it to themselves.
When we face hardship, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves. We might blame ourselves for the situation or criticize our handling of it. But resilient folks understand the importance of being kind to themselves in these moments.
They treat themselves with the same understanding and kindness they would extend to a friend in the same situation. This self-compassion helps them cope with the emotional toll of adversity and gives them the strength to keep moving forward.
In a world that often demands perfection, showing compassion to ourselves can feel unnatural.
We all make mistakes, and we all face hardship. So be gentle with yourself. Show yourself some compassion. It’s okay to stumble.
6) Build strong relationships
I’ve always been an independent person. I prided myself on being able to handle anything that came my way on my own. But when my father fell ill, I quickly realized that I couldn’t go through it alone.
Resilient people understand the value of strong relationships. It’s about having people who can offer a listening ear, a comforting word, or a helping hand when you’re going through tough times.
Building and maintaining these relationships takes effort. It means being there for others when they need support, just as they are there for you.
So don’t be afraid to lean on others when you need to. Having a strong support system doesn’t make you weak; it makes you resilient.
7) Foster a growth mindset
The way we think about our abilities and potential can significantly impact our resilience.
Those who bounce back from adversity often foster what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a “growth mindset.”
This mindset is all about believing that our abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s about seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than insurmountable obstacles.
People with a growth mindset aren’t deterred by failure. Instead, they see it as a stepping stone to success, a learning opportunity. They understand that they’re not defined by their failures, but by how they respond to them.
Cultivating a growth mindset can take some time and practice, especially if you’re used to thinking in more fixed terms.
8) Practice gratitude
Above all, resilient people understand the power of gratitude.
Practicing gratitude isn’t about ignoring difficulties or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing to focus on the positives, no matter how small they may seem.
This simple act can shift your mindset, reduce stress, and foster resilience. It helps you realize that even though things may be tough right now, there are still things to be thankful for.
Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as a hot cup of coffee or a conversation with a friend.
These small moments of gratitude can have a big impact on your ability to bounce back from adversity.
Final thoughts: It’s within your reach
At the heart of resilience, there’s a universal truth we must embrace: life is unpredictable.
American author and motivational speaker, Leo Buscaglia, once said, “Change is the end result of all true learning.”
We all encounter adversity and hardships. The difference lies in how we respond to these challenges.
In adversity, remember these strengths are within your reach. You can bounce back with time and effort, becoming more resilient. Embrace change, be kind, nurture supportive relationships, and appreciate the good in every moment.
Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about navigating through it with grace and strength.
That power resides in everyone—it resides in you.
