Some folks say you’re either resilient or you’re not. How do you deal with life’s disappointments, challenges or this economy? Do you face them head-on? Are you overwhelmed with uncertainty? Do you ever become frozen, unable to make a decision or take a step forward?
When faced with a demanding schedule and endless pressure to perform at your best, consistent positive results make a difference. The presence of difficulty, whether derived from a personal or professional situation, does not eliminate the need for excellent performance; especially, when others are affected by the outcome. Then why is it that some people who face significant adversity seem to thrive while others, when faced with similar situations, seem to be in despair? The core of the answer can be found within our own being. It’s part of our make-up. If this is the case, where can we go when we feel drained and empty?
Hold on, it’s OK – there’s good news. Research has shown resilience to be the common denominator in those who succeed against all odds. Specific traits have been identified in individuals who exhibit both resilience and top performance. Since working hard doesn’t prevent life’s inevitable challenges, strengthening the traits of resilience is a must. Let’s take a closer look at resilience.
Power and Resilience
Resilience has been defined as the ability to bounce back, to return to an original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched. There is an expanded essence and power, yes power, to resilience. I’ll share the secret. It’s resiliency trait unity. The unity of resiliency traits can actually optimize performance and power is within their joint usage. Returning to an original state during an intense challenge is only the beginning. It gets you to “GO.” However, as the classic Monopoly game points out, you have to actually pass “GO” in order to have the opportunity to collect the salary of $200, twice. In reality, research shows that bouncing back isn’t enough to produce outstanding results. Want more? I know I did.
My Story
When my father was born, his heart was three centimeters outside his chest cavity. He had heart attacks as often as some folks change the oil in their car; about every three months or 3,000 miles; whichever comes first. He wasn’t expected to live past adolescence. He got tired of constantly being reminded that he was going to die. “Who isn’t,” my dad said. He grew up, married my mother, and they had five children. When I was three, he had a massive heart attack and died. Two months later, my mother had a cerebral hemorrhage and died. My four siblings and I were raised by other family members.
Thirty years later when I was 33, a rare blood vessel disorder didn’t show up on any of my routine exams. An artery at the base of my brain dissected and bled extensively. This arterial dissection caused a hemorrhagic stroke, unlike the common ischemic type of stroke caused by blood clots. The entire right side of my body was paralyzed. Due to the damage my body endured, specialists said my speech would remain severely impaired and that I would never walk again.
I was a Realtor at the time of this incident. My career was in full bloom or so I thought. Suddenly, representing others in the purchase and sale of residential real estate was halted for an unknown period of time. I had to find a way to support myself and my three boys although I no longer had a source of income, couldn’t walk or speak clearly. There didn’t appear to be any relief in sight. By the way, my other obligations did not go away. They were still present. Certainly, I was facing a challenge. How could I regain my ability to earn a livelihood for my family and perhaps exceed my initial performance level?
Let’s start with a tangible solution, resiliency traits. Once they are acknowledged and utilized, their strength improves decisioning ability and enables performance optimization even while in the middle of adversity. This method has proven to be effective in a wide variety of business industries and in managing multiple personal issues. Results truly reside in resiliency traits.
The seven traits of resilience are courage, creativity, initiative, focus, insight, humility, and tenacity. We all possess these traits in varying degrees. Why resilience? Separately, the traits are useful. Mastery of them all produces an incredible improvement in your life and ability to sustain winning perspectives towards the situations you may face. Resilience is a solid and reliable foundation that provides peace of mind. Especially, when doubt in your ability to succeed rears its ugly head. As detailed in my upcoming book, Getting Past Go When Life Says Stop, by drawing upon the faith and dedication needed to use all of these traits together, you’ll create the destiny you want and life you deserve.
Are you wondering what to do with the traits? Start by acknowledging and repeating the following three words every day, I am resilient! Consciously, use each trait at least once every day to strengthen them. Then reflect on the word BELIEVE as an acronym. It’s a helpful way to remember the traits and how they can be used. Build courage, Elevate creativity, Lead initiative, Intensify focus, Enhance insight, Value humility, and Exercise tenacity.
Arm yourself with natures answer to life’s challenges. Use resilience and it’s traits to the maximum. As I like to say, when just enough is not good enough, that’s when it’s time to BELIEVE. You’re resilient!
Karen Walker-Tunoa is a national award-winning speaker, certified facilitator, and trainer. As an experienced keynote speaker and authority on resilience and results, Karen coaches’ leaders by helping them reset their businesses for optimal performance during times of growth and change. To learn more, email karen@kwtcommunications.com or call 707.542.8114. Visit www.KWTcommunications.com.
