The icy cold weather today inspired me to think about thriving and unpredictable climates. As I cleared the ice off my car, I aimed to stay focused, motivated and positive about getting to my meeting on time. I drove off very happily all cosy and warm, when I manoeuvred around the corner I was confronted by a road closure!. Living in the countryside sure has its pros and cons; I had to drive an extra ten mile round trip to my destination.
I reflected on my resilience, my determination to get to the meeting, pulling out all the stops to arrive in a dignified and prepared manner. I also reflected on how determined I still am to treat my family, colleagues and clients with the deepest respect, from an integritous place always wanting to do and be the best I can be. That is my personal pledge for the course of my life and it continues to serve me well.
To kick start YOUR day I am going to share some tips to enhance YOUR resilience based on some nuggets from a psychological perspective, at least my interpretation of it:
Make connections. Good relationships with close family members, friends, or others are important. Accepting help and support from those who care about YOU and will listen to YOU strengthens resilience. Some people find that being active in community groups, faith-based organisations, or other local groups provides social support and can help with reclaiming hope. Assisting others in their time of need also can benefit the helper and your CV during times of recession.
Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. YOU can’t change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but YOU can change how YOU interpret and respond to these events. Try looking beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better. Note any subtle ways in which YOU might already feel somewhat better as YOU deal with difficult situations.
Accept that change is a part of life. Some goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help YOU focus on circumstances that YOU can alter.
Move toward YOU goals. Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly — even if it seems like a small accomplishment — that enables YOU to move toward YOUR goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, “What can I accomplish today that will help me to move forward?”
Look for opportunities for self-discovery. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggle with loss. Many people who have experienced tragedies and hardship have reported better relationships, greater sense of strength even while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality, and heightened appreciation for life.
Nurture a positive view of YOU!. Developing confidence in YOUR ability to solve problems and trusting YOUR instincts helps build resilience.
Keep things in perspective. Even when facing very painful events, try to consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion.
Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables YOU to expect that good things will happen in YOUR life. Try visualising what YOU want, rather than worrying about what YOU fear.
Take care of yourself. Pay attention to YOUR own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that YOU enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of YOU helps to keep YOUR mind and body ready to deal with situations that require resilience.
Enjoy your week; try to complete a reality check on your ways of managing tricky and difficult situations in your life moving from reaction to action.
Coaching clients to have self-care strategies is important; further developing their resilience and ability to thrive during unpredictable times and chapters.