'Resilience' is the ability to recover from set-backs. Although it is a natural character trait for some, it can be broken down into skills to be learnt quickly. Based on Resilience Research over the last forty years and our own recent research, we believe Resilience can be learnt by taking the following steps:
- Take responsibility for the problem. Focus only on what you can control or influence. Find ways to increase your choices and above all, leave what you can't change - 'Control the Controllable'
- Design the Future. The past has happened, you can only control how you respond to it. Focus on creating the future you want. Say what you want to happen next and imagine it happening. 'Start with the end in mind', (Stephen Covey)
- Use your Strengths & Relationships. We are our most effective when working with our strengths. If your goal depends on you doing tasks that drain your energy, delegate them. Nurture your key relationships, professionally & personally. Spend time supporting others.
- Challenge your Beliefs. What do you believe about you? Do you believe the future you want to create will happen? Positive beliefs will drive the results you want, negative ones will move you away from what you want. Make sure yours are positive.
- Manage your Emotions. Negative emotions are there to tell you something. Welcome them and ask them what their purpose is for you, what action do they want you to take?
- Build your Personal Resilience Strategy. Discover your strategies for being at your best and recovering from set-backs quickly. Walk at lunch time, take 10 deep breaths before an important meeting. Think of a time when you were feeling your most confident.
Watch out this year for our book 'Survive the Credit Crunch, strategies to deal with the Emotional Impact' by Hannah Keep. Based on the research Hannah has conducted into naturally Resilient people, you can learn the 6 steps above in more detail and learn from their experiences.
To book Hannah Keep as a speaker or find out about our Resilience Training programmes please click here.
‘Olympic gold is a matter of conquering fear’
Steve Peters, psychiatrist to the Olympic Cycling Team