Three Reasons to Develop Resiliency

Resiliency is an essential life skill. 

The following are three reasons you can benefit by developing it.

The dictionary defines resilience as, “able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.” Life is filled with various challenges that can knock us off of our regular routine. Many people, including me, have had to deal with chronic illnesses and overwhelming loss of employment.

The obstacles are endless. However, having a resilient attitude is key to overcoming these challenges and turning them into opportunities.

Being Resilient Boosts Creativity and Innovative Thinking

Being able to recover quickly from difficult situations is a result of innovative thinking. When faced with challenges, do you cower in defeat or brainstorm ways to rise above the situation? In order to cultivate a “plan B” attitude, creativity is key.

You have to sometimes think outside of your comfort zone in order to see your capabilities. This involves challenging whatever societal, circumstantial, or personal norms you are accustomed to.

For example, an artist won’t simply abandon an idea because he cannot translate it onto paper. Rather, he will develop a new means of getting his message across.

Even if that means switching his medium from paint to pen. He is resilient in his goal of completing his masterpiece. Are you facing a similar challenge where your hands seem to be tied? Instead of drowning in your sorrows, envision how you can reach success in alternative ways. Innovation is key to discovering newfound ways to solve many of life’s problems.

Resiliency is Energizing

It is easy to give up when facing obstacles especially when they seem beyond your control. Individuals who have to manage physical and mental illnesses are vulnerable to feelings of overwhelming discouragement.

Does this mean they give up hope and live life in misery? The key to resiliency is looking at what you can control in your current situation and developing ways to find happiness.

If you are facing a similar situation where the odds just seem to be against you, search for ways to carry out your mission that works for you. This gets your mind in the habit of continuously moving despite distraction.

When a new runner sets out to complete a race, there will be times when she grows tired. Does she merely stop on the side of the road and wait for someone to come and transport her to the finish line? Certainly, a resilient person would not.

Rather, she would find a way to regain her energy that doesn’t involve stopping. Perhaps decreasing her speed, taking a drink of water, or briskly walking could help. This same mentality can be applied to when we face challenges in our lives. When you train your mind to not give up when facing a challenge, you will receive the needed energy to endure.

Resilience Boosts Confidence

Being able to recover from detrimental circumstances is not something that can be given. In fact, being resilient is incumbent upon the individuals personal desire to bounce back. Since this aspect of human characteristic requires self-reliance, it is safe to conclude that resiliency boosts self-confidence.

When you are able to look at past experiences where you had to overcome a challenge, you begin to value your progress. This increases the way you view yourself. By meditating on these experiences, you will see beauty in your own strength. In turn, you will be able to continue enduring through future obstacles.

The art of being able to bounce back and continue after dealing with challenges is no easy feat. To combat feelings of wanting to give up, you have to find your why. Ask yourself, “why should I continue to progress?” “Who is relying on my resiliency?” “What am I fighting for?”

The answers to those questions will be a great starting point towards making your resiliency real. By doing so, you will be filled with inner strength that is able to conquer any debilitating obstacle.

Tell me what you think of this blog post.  Are you resilient?  Where have you been able to make progress or use your creativity to have a breakthrough.