9 Ways You Can Build Resilience
Before we begin…
I’ve taught many years, in different places, and to diverse groups of students. I’ve seen great, good, and sad situations. These last few years, I’ve noticed younger students break down easily, many are anxious or depressed. It seems to be common ---- it’s alarming. “You are the doctors and lawyers of tomorrow,” I tell them. “You will be taking care of me!”
I wish they believed—- everything passes, that there are ways to overcome challenges, that giving up is not an option. I wish they were more resilient…
Lets Talk Leadership!
Resilience is the ability to recover and adapt quickly from problems, even if they are significant. But it’s not just about bouncing back---it’s about using those challenges to grow and improve! Resilience plays a big role when dealing with stress. It impacts our quality of life in different ways.
Resilience
Emotional Well-Being: Resilience contributes to our emotional health. It helps us manage negative emotions and recover from disappointments, it even helps us stay hopeful and optimistic. When dealing with stress, we are able to stay calm, composed, and are not easily overwhelmed.
Problem-solving: With resilience we are resourceful and creative. There’s a better chance of seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. This definitely improves problem-solving skills.
Maintaining Relationships: Resilience also helps us have healthy relationships. We are better able to resolve conflicts, communicate better, and be strong to support our loved ones through their own challenges.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Emotional Intelligence (EQ). EI is “the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as those of others.” Resilience is a key component of EQ. It helps with problem solving and overcoming challenges--- effectively. It helps for professional growth.
Do you know…
Leaders who manage their emotions and stay composed under pressure are more effective?
This is because resilience is closely related to self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. As a leader, when you regulate your emotions—you create a calm and stable environment. This helps others feel supported. Emotional Intelligence allows you to empathize with others, it allows you to communicate better. With control of your emotions, you make objective decisions instead of impulsive ones. Ultimately, managing your emotions sets the tone for a culture of respect and collaboration. This enhances overall performance.
Do you think leaders naturally have emotional intelligence? Or is it something they develop over time?
Think about all the times you said something hurtful that you later regretted. When you reflect, you are exercising self-awareness. Being aware of our emotions and how they affect others--- matters.
Self-awareness
The understanding of our emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, biases, triggers, tendencies, and motivations. In other words knowing who you are and understanding the impact you emotions make on others! Self-Awareness doesn’t stop. It’s a continuous process of reflection and feedback. Analyze yourself regularly and seek input from others to improve. As a a leader you must have self-awareness to build trust and to be more effective.
Self-regulation
Managing your own emotions and staying calm and composed under pressure. With self-regulation, you handle challenges and bouncing back from failure easier. It helps you to persevere through problems and keep a positive outlook.
Empathy
Strong social skills help build resilience. With empathy you connect genuinely with team members, co-workers, and others. You care and provide support, creating a resilient company culture.
Overall, EQ is a strong predictor of successful leadership, and resilience is a critical part of it. EQ makes us resilient and able to handle life’s ups and downs improving our quality of life.
How Can I Develop Resilience?
Practice habits that help manage stress, adapt to change, and bounce back from adversity. In other words, develop a certain mindset.
Consider the following:
Develop a Positive Outlook
Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t. Practice gratitude by regularly focusing on things you are thankful for.
Build Strong Connections
Nurture relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Join groups or communities that share your interests or values. (Social media strategies: Navigating Social Media: A Guide to Leading with Purpose)
Improve Self-awareness
Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Keep A journal to track your thoughts, feelings, and experience. Get to know yourself better. ( A Self-Reflection Journal )
Practice Self-care
Prioritize good sleep, nutrition and exercise. Set aside time to enjoy hobbies or things that interest you.
Develop Problem-solving skills:
Explore several solutions, consider the pros and cons.
Break problems into small parts, tackle each one at a time.
Learn from your past experiences, and apply those lessons to new challenges.
Set Realistic Goals
Set short and long term goals that are doable and meaningful. Stay flexible and adjust them as needed.
Strengthen Emotional Regulation
Practice deep breathing or visualization. Learn to recognize your negative thought patterns. Develop EQ by recognizing and managing emotions effectively.
Embrace Change
Change is inevitable and a part of life. See it as an opportunity to grow. Stay open to new experiences and get out of your comfort zone. Be able to adapt and stay curious.
Maintain a Sense of Purpose
Do activities that align with your values.
Volunteer to the cause that matters to you.
Set goals that give you meaning and direction.
Practice these strategies consistently. It will help you build and strengthen your resilience. You’ll notice a big difference when dealing with problems.
Enjoy your weekend!
---Dr. Aguilar
