on January 18, 2022
“Resilience is knowing that you are the only one that has the power and the responsibility to pick yourself up.” –Mary Holloway
It’s that time of year in the Upper Midwest when the holiday season is over, winter feels long, and the New Year is not so new anymore. As we gear up for another month or two of frigid weather, our motivation might start to slip and we may begin to feel worn down and defeated. That’s where resilience comes into play!
Resilience is closely tied to two words: hope and grit.
Resilient people maintain a sense of hope or optimism, which can sustain them through tough times. They are also “gritty,” meaning they are willing to work hard and will rise to meet any challenges that come their way. If you have the ability to look on the bright side AND can work hard to get through difficulties, you are resilient.
But what if you’re feeling less than resilient at the moment? What if your hope is flagging or you don’t feel strong enough to weather the storm? That’s okay! We all have times when we’re feeling beaten down by life. During these difficult moments, it’s important to understand that you don’t have to take on everything on your own. Reach out to others for assistance, talk with a trusted friend or advisor, or delegate whatever you can to others. And if you need to, step away and take a break! Giving yourself some distance from the situation can work wonders.
Another thing to keep in mind is that resilience can be learned and developed.
When you dare to face a tough situation and work through it, you train yourself on how to cope with difficulties and build up your “resilience muscles.” The more you face your challenges head-on, the better equipped you’ll be for the next obstacle that comes your way. Remember, discomfort is temporary, and you can learn many valuable lessons and skills by stretching yourself beyond your comfort zone.
In my experience, one of the best indicators of success is a person’s resilience. Anyone who is able to maintain their optimism while working hard to overcome adversity is likely to succeed. In the end, it doesn’t necessarily matter how brilliant, rich, or physically strong a person may be; if they do not have resilience, they do not have the right mindset for success.
Let’s get through these cold months together, take on an attitude of optimism, and develop our resilience muscles! It is only by facing challenges in life that we get to test the true strength of our character.