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With the scope and velocity of change occurring right now, I’ve been thinking about resilience (the ability to adapt to or bounce back from change or traumatic events). As I write this newsletter, Hurricane Milton is bearing down on Florida, right after Hurricane Helene hit the South with devastating consequences.
Hurricanes are life-changing events for people in their path. Yet, we have plenty of evidence that humans are wired to adapt over time to these life-changing situations. In September, I visited Maui and drove through the town of Lahaina. It was sobering to see all the houses that had been cleared down to their foundations after the terrible fire. But there was also evidence of new construction on the hillside and reopened businesses. I celebrated and was inspired by the renewed growth of the banyan tree at the harbor. Planted in 1873, it has become a symbol of resilience and hope.
We all experience life’s challenges from minor changes to life-altering events. These can include the loss of a job, a change in your boss, the merger between two organizations, serious health problems, financial stress, the loss of a loved one, or divorce. While these events are painful, we can bounce back and often experience deep personal growth as we respond resiliently. (I say this as someone who has lived through hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes, as well as divorce, death, mergers, a serious health issue, and job loss.)
The good news is that resilience isn’t tied to personality, but rather to our behaviors, thoughts, and actions. These can be developed by anyone who chooses to intentionally face life’s challenges with resilience.
“The ability to learn resilience is one reason research has shown that resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary.” (Building your Resilience, American Psychological Association, 2020)
Take a moment to consider these categories and come up with one resilient action you’ve taken in each area during times of change.
Build Connections: Stay connected with people who empathize and understand what you’re going through.
Foster Wellness in Mind, Body, and Spirit: Eat well, get ample sleep, exercise regularly, avoid alcohol and drugs, and consider prayer and meditation.
Think Healthy Thoughts: Avoid negative self-talk which tends to blow things out of proportion. Let go of the old way of doing things and expect good things to come in your new circumstances.
Ask for Help if you Need it: Join a support group, find a counselor, or work with a coach to help you focus on letting go of the past, accepting your emotions, and moving toward a new future.
If you lead a team, your role involves helping people on your team claim their resilience as you lead them through the stages of change. A leader who understands the emotional aspects of change is willing to make a safe space for people to connect, get the information they need to make sense of the change, and to support those who are expressing uncomfortable feelings.
Join Cynthia Clay on Thursday, November 14 (10:00 a.m. Pacific / 12:00 noon Central / 1:00 Eastern) to explore a change model that helps frame the four stages of change and how you can adopt resilient actions in each stage.
Register now to reserve your spot.
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