The year 2020 has undoubtedly tested us, and likely when reflecting, those who were resilient during such a trying time will stand out to us, whether it be an organization, leaders, or individuals. When reflecting on personal resilience, what traits come to mind? Is it someone calm under pressure? Is it a person who doesn’t let challenges overwhelm them and keeps going? Resilient people often appear better equipped to thrive and prosper during periods of stress. In organizations, teams made up of resilient individuals often are able to tackle change with less resistance. In this two-part blog series, we’ll first explore the qualities associated with resilience. In the second post, we’ll consider tools to identify personality traits that help predict and support the development of resilience, as well as identify specific steps to consciously build resilience.
What is Resilience?
Resilience may be described as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. It may point to personal toughness and an ability to grow despite adversity or setbacks. When a stressful situation occurs, one who maintains an emotional calm while persevering is demonstrating resilience.
Resilience is not a trait or a gene. Rather, it’s a capacity innate in the brain that may be developed over time. Attributes that are common in resilient people include:
- Composure – being calm and in control under pressure.
- Patience – a good listener, one who gives full attention to others when they’re speaking, allows others to complete their thoughts, and delays judgment.
- Optimism – the ability to see bright spots in darker times, remember happy moments, personal strengths, and purpose.
- Gratitude – thankful for simple things like a smile, a hug, or a great cup of coffee.
- Acceptance – the ability to embrace uncertainty and engage with the unknown.
- Kindness – friendliness, generosity, and consideration of others.
- Sense of Purpose – a motivation that drives one forward towards satisfying a goal or future.
- Forgiveness – the ability to let go of feelings of anger or resentment.
- Connection – able to maintain and build relationships and associations with others.
Are there any other qualities that come to mind when you think about resilience or the resilient people you know?
Coming Up Next…
As many of us start anew in 2021, something you can do right now is to begin the work of training your mind and building your mental muscles. https://medium.com/on-the-couch/to-become-mentally-stronger-do-these-5-things-b4eb28487c9
In our next post in this series, we’ll look at the importance of self-awareness to build personal resilience and identify some action steps to develop resilience over time.
If you have any questions or comments or would like to continue the discussion about resilience, please contact Capacity Group.
Sources:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/resilience/
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/resilience.htm
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/design-your-path/201305/10-traits-emotionally-resilient-people