“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
Someone once told me that, ‘The things that seem the most difficult to achieve are the very things that are worth pursuing as they will bring you the most rewards.’ It is tempting when you are faced with obstacle after obstacle to quit and cut your losses. We often think that success is attributed to having the right skills, strong work ethic and knowing the right people. However, the fundamental trait that predicts long term success is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Resilience in the face of adversity separates the winners from the losers.
What is Resilience?
Resilience is often defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or challenges. It is more than just “bouncing back” — it is about adapting, learning, and growing stronger from experiences of hardship or failure. Your mindset plays a critical role in cultivating this important attribute. We all view the world through the lenses we have developed through our experiences, upbringing, exposure and interactions with people. The way we think and assign ‘meaning’ to different situations relates to the values and beliefs that we hold.
Resilient individuals do not see setbacks as insurmountable obstacles; instead, they view them as temporary hurdles and opportunities for growth. We have all witnessed people who go through similar obstacles, responding differently. Some people will give up after they have tried a few times to tackle the obstacle. Other people will try again and again, until they eventually crack it. ‘Giving up’ is not an option for them. They do not dwell on the possibility of failure. They interpret obstacles as challenges that they can overcome. They stay flexible and adapt to change with agility. If their strategy fails, they simply try a new one.
Resilient professionals view failure not as the end, but as an opportunity to learn. Instead of giving in to frustration, they analyse the situation, identify what went wrong, and take actionable steps to improve. Resilient professionals stay focused on solutions rather than being bogged down by challenges.
Dealing with Setbacks
All professionals face setbacks at some point in their careers. Whether it is a missed promotion, a failed project, rejection or a layoff, challenges are inevitable. What separates the successful professionals from the rest is how they respond to these challenges.
The sharp sting of rejection is something you will have to endure if you are to succeed. Not every person you approach will help you or think that your ideas are valuable. What matters is whether you will persist. Jack Canfield, a famous author and speaker, teaches the principle of ‘Next.’ When one person rejects your idea, you simply move onto the next person and the next. This is a very powerful lesson as it depersonalizes rejection and reframes the interpretation of rejection. The recipe for persistence and ‘grit’ requires both conviction and commitment to persist. Do you really believe in your ideas and how deep is your commitment to whatever you are trying to achieve? If you add courage to this recipe, you will be unstoppable.
Adaptability in the Face of Change
Your ability to withstand uncertainty can predict how successful you will be in life. The business landscape is constantly changing. Technologies evolve, business models shift, and new challenges arise regularly. Resilience enables individuals to become agile, which is one of the most sought-after skills on the job market. When you can learn to embrace change rather than fear it you will become the architect of your own destiny. Regularly stepping out of your comfort zone will expand it. Learning to grow rather than shrink in the face of adversity will help you conquer the difficulties that arise.
Managing Stress and Pressure
Developing the resilience ‘muscle’ will require you to withstand discomfort and pressure. This ability to manage pressure not only ensures that professionals perform well but also enables them to maintain their mental and emotional well-being. Resilience, in this case, becomes a tool for both success and health. We live in a high stakes world that evolves rapidly. Our schedules are packed with activities and many expectations are placed upon us in the workplace and at home. While some people may crumble under pressure, resilient individuals are able to stay calm, focused, and composed in the face of stress.
How we interpret a situation and whether we under or overestimate our ability to handle the situation will determine our response to it. This goes back to the concept of ‘embracing the right mindset.’ The more challenges you overcome, the more your confidence in your ability to handle them will grow. Practice positive self-talk and work with a Coach to improve your self-image and root out any negative beliefs.
Additionally practice self-care and build margin in your busy schedule to rest. Physical and emotional resilience are closely linked. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and relaxation practices like meditation or mindfulness can help you respond to stress better.
Building Strong Relationships
Isolation weakens resilience. Building a support system and strong professional network can help you bounce back from challenges. A person’s morale can be lifted tremendously when other people reach out to help. Learn to be the first to reach out and help others when they experience difficulties. When your turn to face adversity comes, these people will in turn, reach out to help you. Depression thrives in isolation. Depression can kill resilience. Building community is critical to personal success.
When we endeavour to thrive instead of merely surviving the challenges that beset us, we will begin to shape our own destinies. The courage to withstand adversity and persist in uncomfortable situations builds character. This unshakeable inner strength will help you to navigate the storms of life. Cultivating a positive outlook is not always easy when the skies in your life are constantly grey. However, when you search for the hidden seeds of opportunity in every challenge, you will begin to see that the rain is necessary to bring forth new growth.
Article by Shailja Sharma, SBS Faculty Member and Leadership and Career Coach
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