Resiliency is a key part of managing change effectively but it can also be about hanging on over a long period of stress. If the sounds like the perfect skill to have right now – you are right!
However - If you believe that the best way to build up stress-hardiness is to develop bounce-back skills which are traditionally developed by being knocked down and getting back up again, then how can we find some mental buoyancy when it feels as if we are being held underwater?
Sometimes referred to as the 9 C’s, think about what you are doing and can do in each of the following categories:
Control– It can be hard to feel like you have much control when the things getting you down are large like the Covid-19 pandemic, the economy, access to good medical care, or global warming. Instead, focus on where you DO have control, and take it! Stay home, read more, go to reliable websites for up-to-date and fact based information play games, recycle, and go for walks.
Connection – Take time and make time to connect with people you care about and those who make you laugh at work, at home, and in the community.
Commitment– Dedicate time to causes that hold a place of importance for you. Right now, your neighborhood association, the local school, and your favorite charity can all use your efforts more than ever.
Confidence – Know what you do well and own it. Everyone has a skill or talent that they can count on so know what yours is.
Creativity – New ways of doing things can spark energy and enthusiasm when there is a little to go around. Come up with ideas about changing up the usual.
Capability – You may have the potential to do things you are not doing now. Most people are more resourceful than they think they are. Sometimes we don’t know how capable we truly are until put to the test.
Compassion – As tough as you have it, there are always others who have it worse off. Showing your concern for others not only means a lot to them, it helps get your focus off of you for a while.
Communication – Talking about what you are thinking and feeling with other people can lighten your load and allows others to provide support. Even if it sounds silly, dramatic, or a little crazy – let others help and support you.
Collaboration – Going it alone can be the most exhausting part of stress but working with others to find solutions can take some of the pressure off your shoulders. Finding partners reduces the sense of isolation that comes with fatigue.
Resiliency is the ability to overcome challenges of all kinds: tragedy, trauma, personal crises, and the problems everyday life can throw at us - and bounce back stronger, smarter and more empowered. It’s a critical skill because this is what we need to do when faced with life’s inevitable difficulties, not only the huge one we are facing right now.
We can do this - even when we are alone - because we are together.
Joni Daniels is Principal of Daniels & Associates, a management consulting practice that specializes in developing people in the areas of leadership and management, interpersonal effectiveness and efficiency, skill- building, and organizational development interventions. With over 30 years of experience, she is a sought after resource for Fortune 500 clients, professional organizations, higher education, media outlets and business publications. Joni can be reached at http://jonidaniels.com
