Resilience is a powerful trait, one that gives you the ability to bounce back from failure time and time again.
It’s not about avoiding failure – we all face bumps in the road – but rather, how you respond to these challenges.
Those who embody resilience tend to display certain behaviors that set them apart.
I’ve distilled these down to seven key behaviors that resilient people consistently exhibit.
This isn’t about pretending that everything is fine when it’s not.
It’s about facing reality, taking stock of the situation, and finding ways to push through.
1) Embracing failure
Resilience isn’t about never failing, far from it. In fact, resilient people understand that failure is a crucial part of the journey.
Failure isn’t a brick wall for them, rather it’s a stepping stone. They don’t let it deter them or drain their enthusiasm. They see failure for what it truly is – an opportunity to learn and grow.
This may seem counterintuitive, but embracing failure can significantly reduce the fear and anxiety around it. After all, if you’re not afraid of failing, you’re more likely to take the risks necessary to reach your goals.
And yes, this means resilient people often stumble and fall, but they always get back up, brush themselves off and keep going.
This behavior is what gives them the strength to bounce back from any setback. Just remember, every stumble is a chance to come back stronger than ever.
The next time you find yourself facing a setback, don’t shy away from it. Embrace it as the opportunity that it is. You might find that this change in mindset is the key to unlocking your own resilience.
2) Prioritizing self-care
Believe it or not, resilient people aren’t always on the go. While they do have a knack for bouncing back from adversity, they also understand the importance of slowing down and taking care of themselves.
We’re often fed the narrative that to be successful, we must be constantly pushing ourselves to the limit. However, this can often lead to burnout and make setbacks feel even more overwhelming.
Resilient individuals, on the other hand, recognize that to stay strong in the face of adversity, they need to take time to recharge their batteries. This could mean taking a day off work, practicing mindfulness or meditation, spending time in nature, exercising, or even just enjoying a quiet night in with a good book.
And, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by a setback, don’t just push through. Take some time for yourself. You might find that it’s just what you needed to bounce back stronger than ever.
3) Cultivating a positive mindset
A key behavior of resilient people is their ability to maintain a positive mindset, even in the face of adversity. This doesn’t mean they’re always happy or that they ignore their problems. Instead, they choose to face their challenges with a hopeful and proactive attitude.
In my own experience, I’ve found that cultivating a positive mindset can have a profound impact on your ability to bounce back from setbacks. This positivity isn’t just about feeling good, it’s about recognizing your own ability to overcome obstacles and believing in your potential for growth and change.
Understand, it’s not about denying the existence of problems or difficulties. It’s about facing them head-on with a positive and proactive attitude. So next time you’re faced with a setback, try to view it as an opportunity for growth rather than an insurmountable obstacle.
4) Learning to let go
Resilient people have a knack for letting go of things that are out of their control. This is a tough one, and trust me, it’s something I’ve had to grapple with myself. We often get caught up in the “what ifs” and “if onlys”, which can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Here’s the thing – worrying about things we can’t control won’t change the outcome. It only serves to drain our energy and steals away our peace of mind.
The key is to differentiate between what’s within your control and what’s not. Focus your time and energy on the things you can change, and learn to let go of the things you can’t.
When you are faced with adversity, ask yourself: Is this something I can control or influence? If not, try to let it go. It might just be the key to unlocking your resilience.
5) Building a strong support network
Resilient people understand they don’t have to go it alone. They know the importance of having a strong support network – be it family, friends, mentors or professional help.
You see, it’s easy to feel isolated when you’re going through a tough time. But having people around you who can offer support, advice, or just lend a listening ear can make all the difference.
From personal experience, I can tell you that my support network has been my rock during challenging times. They’ve been there to celebrate my victories, provide perspective during my failures, and more importantly, remind me that I’m not alone.
Take the time to cultivate your relationships. Reach out to people who inspire and uplift you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Acknowledge, resilience isn’t about going it alone; it’s about knowing when to lean on others and allowing them to lean on you too.
6) Cultivating gratitude
Another behavior that resilient people consistently exhibit is practicing gratitude. This doesn’t mean they’re always happy or in a state of bliss. Rather, they consciously make an effort to acknowledge the good in their life, even when times are tough.
I’ve found that cultivating gratitude in my own life has helped me stay grounded during difficult times. It’s a simple practice, yet incredibly powerful. It shifts the focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.
There’s a quote by Melody Beattie that I absolutely love: “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” This is exactly what practicing gratitude can do.
When you find yourself faced with a setback, try to find something to be grateful for. It might be hard at first, but with practice, it can become a powerful tool for resilience.
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7) Embracing vulnerability
Resilient people understand the power of vulnerability. It may sound contradictory, but allowing ourselves to be vulnerable is actually a sign of strength.
It means acknowledging our fears, doubts, and insecurities. It means admitting when we’re not okay and when we need help. And let’s be honest, it’s scary to open up and expose our raw, unedited selves to others.
Embracing vulnerability has allowed me, and countless others, to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and tenacity. It has taught us that it’s okay to not have all the answers, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Don’t shy away from your vulnerability. Embrace it. Believe in your ability to be open and honest about your struggles is a testament to your strength and resilience.
Understanding the power within
The journey to resilience is a deeply personal one, and each of our paths will look different. But what remains consistent is the profound power of the human spirit to adapt, overcome, and grow in the face of adversity.
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’”
And so, as we navigate our own unique journeys of resilience, let’s remember to embrace our failures, lean on our support systems, cultivate gratitude, and most importantly – let’s be kind to ourselves.
I believe that this video by Justin Brown beautifully encapsulates these concepts. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship and shares the valuable lesson that in life it’s important that we get fulfilment from the journey even when it’s challenging as opposed to living our life just to get to the outcome.
May this serve as a helpful resource as you continue your journey towards resilience. In the end, resilience isn’t a destination – it’s a journey, and you’re doing just fine.
