Build Up Your Resilience: 3 Strategies for Making a Powerful Comeback

What is Resilience?

Oxford Languages defines resilience as “the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” Who wouldn’t want to enhance their ability to do that? By applying the simple guidelines below, you can build up your resilience and thrive in the face of challenges.

You are your own best resource. You have what it takes to overcome trying times. The answers you need are within you. Yes, “You’ve got this!” Believe it.

These three strategies will help you get unstuck, meet your current challenge head-on, and boost your resilience.

1. Cultivate a Positive Mindset

• Hone in on the Positive Aspects: In challenging situations, it can be hard to see the positive aspects. Try to look beyond the worst of the circumstance, even if the best part of it will be its end. Be sure to learn the tough lessons because, as unpleasant as they may be, they are often valuable experiences.
• Remember the Good Times: Difficulties are temporary. You’ve had enjoyable times before, and you will experience them again. Make it a personal goal to not just bounce back, but to always bounce back better. One way to do that is to allow some of your fondest memories to fuel your motivation in the present.

• Enjoy Variety Among Friends: You likely have friends with which you function at different levels. For example, some may be primarily party buddies who don’t seem to have the time or interest in your personal issues. That’s okay. Certain aspects of your life aren’t for everyone. Be good with that. Enjoy your friends at whatever level you engage in each other’s company.
• Stay Connected with Supportive People: Keep in regular contact with people who “get” you, like caring family members or close friends. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them as your “1-800-TALKNOW” hot line, when you need them.
• Be There for Each Other: Likewise, put in the effort to be available for someone if they need you. Periodically check in with them just to see how they’re doing. Stay in touch even when you don’t have a specific need.

3. Practice Self-Compassion

• Be Kind to Yourself: When coping with tough times, the last thing in the world you need is to be hard on yourself. Engage in positive self-talk, read inspirational material, or meditate to restore a sense of calm. Being self-compassionate helps you maintain hope.
• Control What You Can: Do what you can about the things you can control, mainly your reaction to the difficulty. At some point, you’ll need to stop letting the issue drain you. The effort to build up your resilience involves conserving and protecting your energy. Let the uncontrollable aspects of the situation play out.
• Counteract Doubt: Believe in your ability to rise again. Combat self-doubt by affirming that you will survive the latest trial, just as you’ve survived others before it. Recall an instance in which you pulled through an ordeal that you thought would be impossible. This helps build grit, one of the best tools to have in your personal development kit. It not only helps build up your resilience, but also equips you with the confidence and determination to meet future challenges.

The Key? Begin to Build Up Your Resilience Today

Apply these strategies when faced with an unplanned, unpleasant major life change, and it will be easier for you to get unstuck, and start moving towards making one heck of a comeback. Right now, the one sure thing that is in your control, is the ability for you to begin employing these tips.