What psychologists call “resilient” affects whether we take these losses in stride or let them knock us down. It is the ability to adapt, learn, and endure in the face of adversity. We’re all plagued with challenges, hurdles, discomfort, weariness, and a slew of other minor and major setbacks.
I’ve discovered resilience to be a key component in my personal path, from navigating the dangerous and unpredictable seas of operating my own business to battling through financial and health difficulties throughout the years.
Resilience has enabled me to run several marathons despite injuries, write numerous books despite personal challenges, face a declining income with a positive attitude, raise six children (with the help of my wife) regardless of the difficulties they face, and deal with family deaths with an open heart, finding compassion for my own grief and assisting my family members in the midst of theirs.
None of this is meant to boast, but rather to demonstrate the power of basic resilience.
Resilience is a great characteristic, but what if you don’t have a lot of it? It is something that can be learnt and developed through time. Some people may be born with more resiliency than others, but we can all improve.
The following are a collection of techniques you may work on to achieve exceptional resiliency.
Practices For Resilience
When you are confronted with stress, sadness, pain, disappointments, or failure, view it as a chance to practise.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Consider What You Don’t See
When you’re irritated or angry, it’s because you’re only seeing the “wrong” side of things. That indicates you’re oblivious to the bigger picture. Do you notice when someone is being disrespectful to you that they may be in pain? Do you pay attention to your own humanity and compassion? There are beautiful things to observe in every instant. When we are solely concerned with the aspects of life that we dislike, we are trapped in tunnel vision and lose out on the magnificence of life.
Connect With Something Larger Than Yourself
It’s incredible what I’ll go through as a father to aid my children. I’ll put up with a lot of suffering if it means protecting or assisting them in any way—and it doesn’t even feel like a sacrifice. Anyone who helps others is familiar with this sensation: when you are doing something for others, the suffering is an afterthought. So, when faced with a tough activity, if you can relate it to something larger than yourself, the challenge becomes far more bearable.
Compassion Should Be Practised (For Yourself, Too)
Just be aware of your suffering when you’re in it. As you would for a loved one, wish yourself serenity and happiness. If the person in front of you is agitated or furious, wish them peace as well. Every uncomfortable interaction is an opportunity to hone this critical skill.
Consider It A Necessary Element Of The Process Of Maturation
When you experience a setback, it is not the end of the road; rather, it is a necessary part of the journey. There is no trip worth doing that is without suffering and disappointments. We need to face obstacles if we want to progress. Instead of focusing on the bad aspects, consider how it may help you grow as a person.
Flexibility Should Be Practised
Rigidity is simply a source of frustration. We will be happier and more successful at everything we attempt if we can learn to be flexible and adjust to change. So, when you’re faced with a difficult scenario, consider how you might be more adaptable. When you fail, try to adapt and improve so that you have a higher chance of succeeding the following time. Consider it an opportunity to improve.
Consider Everything From The Standpoint Of A Teacher
Everything that comes before you is a teacher. You may either reject the lesson and view it as something you don’t want, or you can accept it and figure out how this scenario, this person, this setback is your teacher. Which of the lessons listed above is it teaching you? Which of the aforementioned practises is it assisting you in improving? If you can figure that out, you’ve unlocked a chance to improve your resilience.
You have a choice in every moment. Do you want to give in to your troubles, or do you want to be strengthened by them, learn from them, and be open to their great teachings and experiences?
You have the chance to practise at any time. It is not simple. However, it is the road of resilience.
Written by Kusuma Nara |The Entrepreneurs Diaries is now available on Telegram. Join our telegram channel to get instant updates from TED.
