“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.” – Steve Maraboli

Resilience is the ability of people to cope with stress and hard times, and then bounce back quickly.  When you think of the word “resilient” do certain faces come to mind? What trials have those people been through, only to end up more successful in the long run? Not only do they survive, they do it with a smile on their face, and a bigger paycheck when all is said and done. Do you know who I’m talking about? Ok, good. Now let’s talk about how you can become resilient just like that person you pictured.

I’m sure that just as you know someone that you can identify as resilient, you also know someone who is a believer in the mindfulness movement. They go to yoga three times a week (at minimum) believe in the power of karma and everything happening for a reason. Do you see their face now? Is it the same person you pictured for an embodiment of resilience? These two qualities can often go hand in hand, because resilience has recently been a by-product of the mindfulness movement sweeping the nation. In our fast-paced culture, it’s nice for people to take a minute and just BREATHE…which is what yoga and the mindfulness movement can teach. It can also allow people to focus on what is in their control, and accepting what is not – thus, making them stronger and more resilient for trials that come their way. Are you still with me?

So how does this affect our HR world? Resilience is something that we all need in the workplace, because it allows us to not be defined by obstacles or new projects or challenges that come our way. As an HR professional, I understand this all too well! And I’m guessing that you, as a business owner, employee, HR manager, or department head (basically any job that deals with people and projects!) also have to practice resilience. The good news is that resilience is not just something “you’re born with” like those beautiful models in the Maybelline commercials. You can actually learn to be resilient too! Here’s how:

1. Develop a strong sense of PURPOSE – you define it, you live it. Don’t let your job title or your boss or anyone define your sense of purpose. That’s yours alone to decide!
2. Develop a healthy sense of CONTROL – you cannot control everything. Accept it, and work on the things that you can control.
3. See CHANGE as a challenge or opportunity – rather than dwell on the work and time it’s going to take to adjust. Accept the challenge and run with it!
4. Develop self-confidence and be OPTIMISTIC – If you are confident in your abilities and ideas, others will be too! Have a positive attitude and watch it trickle through the company like magic!
5. Build a good SUPPORT system – this is key to any success in life! We are not in this fight alone.
6. Become FLEXIBLE and adaptable – think outside the box and also use different PROBLEM-SOLVING strategies to come to a new conclusion to an old problem.
7. Have a good sense of HUMOR – being able to laugh at ourselves is good therapy!
8. Stay HEALTHY – a healthy person is a more productive person. So take care of your mind, body, and soul. #mindfulness #resilience