If you missed my post on defining resiliency, go check it out. If you’re looking to take the next step and build resiliency, then you’ve come to the right place. The American Psychological Association has more information on this topic, but I wanted to share five ways I think you can learn to develop resilience.
- Build and maintain connections. Relationships are so important in daily life. Surrounding yourself with good nurturing relationships with friends and family is a great place to start. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s nice to have a support unit. Plus, taking on the role as a helper also builds resiliency by displaying compassion and empathy.
- Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems, and keep perspective. I always say, “It’s not about the failure (or challenge) itself. It’s about how you choose to handle it.” Impossible shouldn’t even be in your vocabulary. I mean look at the big picture!
- Accept that change is a possibility. Certain goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can be difficult, but it will also help you in terms of making decisions and focusing on circumstances that you can change.
- Set small goals. Develop some small, realistic goals that you can attain. Do something daily allows you to move toward your end goals. Instead of focusing on reaching your end goal now, ask yourself, “What’s one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?”
- Find yourself, and be kind to yourself. Take this time to learn about YOU. Challenges and difficulties are a time for major growth and strengthening even while feeling vulnerable. Try to stay positive and keep an optimistic outlook. This is also a great time to take care of yourself in terms of your needs and feelings. Exercise, or watch a movie you’ve been wanting to watch. Just do something for yourself that you enjoy and find relaxing.
I truly believe the key to building resilience is to find ways that are likely to work well for you as part of your own personal strategy for fostering resilience.