Resilience is a funny thing – you often don’t realize you have it until you’re tested.
It’s about bouncing back, standing tall even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s about overcoming challenges, and boy, there are plenty of them.
But how do you know if you’re resilient? Well, there are certain challenges that only the truly resilient can overcome.
In the following sections, I’ll be sharing eight such challenges. If you’ve sailed through these, give yourself a pat on the back – you’re probably tougher than you think.
1) Surviving a major life change
Life is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. Major life changes such as losing a job, going through a divorce, or experiencing a health scare can knock anyone off their feet.
These events are like emotional earthquakes, shaking up everything you thought you knew about your life. Suddenly, you’re forced to reassess, rebuild, and start anew.
If you’ve navigated any major life change and emerged stronger on the other side, it’s a testament to your resilience.
It’s not easy. It takes courage to face the unknown and strength to keep going when things get tough. But if you’ve done it – congratulations. You’re more resilient than you think.
2) Overcoming personal failure
We’ve all been there – I know I have. Failure is a part of life, whether we like it or not.
Years ago, I started a business that I was incredibly passionate about. I poured my heart and soul into it, only to watch it crumble before my eyes. It was a gut-wrenching experience to say the least.
But here’s the thing about failure – it’s not the end of the world. It’s merely a stepping stone, a lesson in disguise.
In the aftermath of my business crashing, I picked up the pieces and started anew. Today, I’m running a successful enterprise and that failure was instrumental in shaping who I am today.
So if you’ve faced failure and bounced back stronger, that’s resilience right there. It’s not about never falling, but about getting back up every single time you do.
3) Dealing with continuous stress
Stress can be a silent killer. In fact, the American Psychological Association has reported that chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death.
It’s a fact of life that we all experience stress, but how we handle that stress can say a lot about our resilience.
If you’ve been in a position where stress was a constant companion, maybe from a high-pressure job or a difficult personal situation, and you’ve managed to keep your head above water, that’s a sign of incredible resilience.
Remember, it’s not about avoiding stress completely – it’s about learning how to manage it effectively. If you’ve done that, you’re definitely tougher than you give yourself credit for.
4) Maintaining mental toughness during difficult times
Mental toughness is a trait that can’t be underestimated.
It’s the ability to keep going when everything in you wants to give up. It’s about staying focused and committed, even when the going gets tough.
In my book, The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness, I talk about the importance of mental fortitude and the role it plays in overcoming adversity.
If you’ve been able to stay mentally tough during challenging times, it’s a clear sign of your resilience.
Perhaps you’ve faced a difficult project at work, or encountered a personal crisis, and yet you’ve managed to stay focused and determined. This ability to maintain mental toughness during adversity is a key characteristic of resilience.
If you’ve demonstrated mental toughness in the face of adversity, know that you’re far more resilient than you may believe.
5) Facing rejection and picking yourself up
Rejection can feel like a punch in the gut.
I remember applying for a job I really wanted. I was sure I was perfect for it. But, instead of the anticipated job offer, I received a rejection letter.
It was hard. I felt dejected, even worthless. But then, I realized something important – rejection is not a reflection of my self-worth.
I picked myself up, dusted off the disappointment and used that experience as fuel to propel me forward.
If you’ve been rejected – from a job, a relationship, or anything else – and you’ve managed to find the strength to continue moving forward and chase your dreams, that’s resilience. You are tougher and more tenacious than you think.
6) Accepting help when needed
We often associate resilience with independence and self-reliance. But here’s the thing – even the strongest people need help sometimes.
It’s not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of wisdom. Recognizing when you’re in over your head and having the humility to ask for help is actually a demonstration of strength.
Maybe you’ve reached out to a friend when you were feeling low, sought professional help during a crisis, or delegated tasks at work when the load got too heavy.
If you’ve been able to swallow your pride and accept help when you needed it, that’s resilience. It shows that you’re adaptable and practical – skills that are key in navigating life’s ups and downs.
7) Learning to let go
Letting go is one of life’s hardest lessons. Whether it’s saying goodbye to a loved one, ending a relationship, or closing a chapter in your life, letting go can be incredibly painful.
But sometimes, it’s the only way to move forward.
If you’ve been in a situation where you had to let go of something or someone important to you, and managed to find the strength to move forward, that’s resilience.
It’s never easy, but it’s a necessary part of growth and healing. The ability to let go and move on from painful experiences is a testament to your strength and resilience.
8) Thriving after a trauma
Trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s life. It can shatter your sense of safety and leave you feeling vulnerable and broken.
But if you’ve experienced trauma and managed not just to survive, but to thrive, that’s the ultimate testament to your resilience.
The journey of healing from trauma is tough, but on the other side of that journey lies a strength and resilience that is truly remarkable.
If you’ve walked this path, know that you are stronger than you’ve ever imagined.
In conclusion: Resilience is a journey
Resilience is not a destination, but a journey. It’s about moving forward, step by step, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
If you’ve faced and overcome these eight challenges, you have undoubtedly demonstrated resilience. But remember, it’s not just about surviving these trials – it’s about thriving in their aftermath.
In my book, The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness, I delve deeper into the concept of resilience and how it can be nurtured and strengthened.
So, whether you’re reflecting on past difficulties or facing new ones, remember this – the strength you’ve shown is remarkable. You are more resilient than you might think.
As you continue on your journey, embrace the challenges that come your way. They are opportunities to demonstrate your resilience and grow even stronger.
Remember, resilience isn’t just about weathering the storm, but learning to dance in the rain.
