What is Resilience?

What does resilience mean to you? How can I increase my resilience? ​

These are questions that comes up frequently during my coaching sessions and they are always interesting to discuss. Several of my clients have likened resilience to the being able to bounce back no matter what life throws at you, but I have a different take. For me, resilience is having flexibility and inner strength when approaching change, whether planned for or unexpected. Resilience gives you time to pause and recalibrate; it helps you to step back and focus on the bigger picture. Attitude is important, so keep an open mind and consider all options. Also, remember you don’t have to do it alone. We can all learn from each other. Reaching out to others and making use of your social and professional network can help you feel more resilient and less alone.

Resilience isn’t something that most people worry about much until it gets sorely tested or runs out. I like to think of us all having a resilience reservoir, which we need to keep topped up, so that it can then sustain us when things are tough. Some of my friends and clients will say that things are going well and so they don’t feel they need any help with resilience at that time. However, building resilience is harder to do when it feels things are tough, so keep an eye on your resilience reservoir and top up where necessary. In the long term, this will help you become more resilient.

So, how do you build resilience?
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Well, this is different for different people, but generally we will all feel better if we sleep enough, eat well, exercise and spend some time outdoors. So how about using this as a starting point? After that, well, the world is your oyster. It could be taking time out to read a good book, joining a choir or other social club, dance lessons, being creative, cooking a delicious meal, planning a trip away, organising to meet friends, learning mindfulness. Whatever you choose to do make sure it resonates with you and know that doing it will make you happy.

Remember, resilience is not some kind of exclusive club. It is open to everyone and we can all learn how to become more resilient.