As part of our busy working lives there may be times when setbacks cause us to feel overwhelmed, anxious or fearful. This may be due to ongoing changes, staff issues, competing demands or other work matters. We might feel stressed; our health suffers, and we find it hard to maintain a positive outlook and bounce back.
Building resilience helps us handle situations with more enthusiasm and flexibility, learn from our mistakes and thrive.
The following tips have helped me over many years in management roles. I hope you also find them helpful.
Tip #1 - Are you a glass half empty or a glass half full?
If you are someone who is pessimistic in your outlook and sees constant problems and pitfalls, then that’s what will stand out in your experience. Every time you encounter a setback it will re-enforce your belief that only bad things happen, and they always happen to you. If, however you begin to change your language and thinking patterns, you will feel more optimistic. To start to change your language and thinking patterns next time you are faced with a challenge, become aware of your thoughts and any negative self talk. When you notice that you are using negative language – stop the chatter and change the language to be a bit more curious so that you start to see opportunities instead of problems. This will open up other possibilities to solving the issue and improve your outlook.
Ask yourself what good can come from this situation – what can you learn and how can you change the story so that you start to see, hear and feel more positive about the situation.
What action can you take?
Tip #2 - Build positive working relationships
Build strong connections and friendships at work by listening attentively and compassionately. Engage in social activities and get to know your co-workers. Be a team player by helping and supporting others and ask for help if you need it. Feeling connected and supported at work will assist with building resilience when challenges arise.
Tip #3 - Seek out resilient role models
People who continue to strive in the face of adversity can be inspiring and be great role models for developing resilience.
My role models are my parents. They are battlers who migrated to Australia in the 1950s. They went through many hard times with work and family. They were hopeful and persevered, finding other ways to manage the situation. They worked hard and raised a family and established a business. I learnt from them not to give up.
You may have a person in mind that inspires you such as a parent, friend, co-worker. How do they behave or react to situations? Are they open to opportunities, willing to embrace challenges and persevere? What qualities do they have that you can model?
What can you learn from these role models to help you cope with challenges or stressful situations and persevere?
How can you incorporate learnings into your life?
Tip #4 – There is no failure, only feedback
Sometimes we tackle a challenge, or an issue and it does not work out the way we thought it would. Instead of seeing this as failure, it is important to see it as feedback. It is an opportunity to reflect on the situation and learn from the attempt. Now and then things happen, and you may feel uncertain, anxious or even fearful. By speaking with supportive colleagues or friends about other possible options and being willing to try something a bit different will provide the motivation to push forward and take the next step to a more positive outcome.
What can I learn from this situation?
What will I do differently next time?
What have I not thought of yet?
What other options are possible?
Tip #5 – Set achievable goals
Set achievable goals that you can break down into small steps so that you can see progressive achievement. Celebrate each step along the way. This will build confidence and determination to keep going. If you hit a roadblock, take positive steps to find another way to manage the situation and keep going.
Appreciating where you are now and what you have achieved will make you feel happier and more positive within yourself. It will help you focus on your success. Acknowledge yourself for your contributions and what you have achieved at work. Take some time to celebrate your successes.
How will you celebrate?
Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.
Nelson Mandela