Resiliency – Part 1

Have you ever thought about what it takes to bounce back from life’s downturns? Today, let’s talk about how to handle those inevitable setbacks that occur from time to time.

No matter how hard we may try, life isn’t perfect. Every day cannot be sunny, our relationships with others cannot always be smooth – and let’s face it, sometimes work is more of a pain than a pleasure. However, it is how we react to those less-than-perfect situations that show us how far we have grown as human beings.

Since most of us spend a significant portion of our lives at some form of workplace, let’s use work as an example. Suppose something has gone drastically wrong, and the whole place looks like everyone is awaiting execution. No one looks up for fear of being called to account for the disaster. The talk around the water cooler is negative, and unless something is done, the entire organization begins to travel the slippery slope of the Downward Spiral.

What to do? First, a conscious effort must be made to ensure the organizational self-talk is positive and reaffirming. Your talents and expertise are valued by the organization, and the work you do is important. Second, the organization must get beyond the current “disaster” and begin focusing on the future, when the problem no longer exists. And third, forget trying to point fingers and assign blame. As the Blue Angels say, “Fess up, fix it, and move on.”

On Monday, we will talk about affirmations – the most important tool in your Personal Disaster Relief Kit. In the meantime, give some thought to how you have survived the setbacks in your past. Yes, survived – because you are still here today to talk about them.