Resilience is definitely within your reach and vital to your well-being, as explained in my book, The Power of Emotion. Individuals with high emotional intelligence manage adversity better and are more emotionally resilient.
THE POWER OF EMOTION | CHAPTER 20 | OVERVIEW
Increase Resilience to Combat Adversity
I don’t know about you, but I've become much more resilient since the pandemic, especially when I had to pivot my business, Marshall Connects, to keep it viable. At the same time, I was busy completing and publishing my newest book, The Power of Emotion.
My struggle was real; it was painful. Facing so much adversity, more than once, I contemplated giving up. That didn't happen, and I am so grateful that I stayed strong and used my emotional intelligence to guide me through this challenging time!
Resilient Thinking and Attitude
What helped me the most was my growth mindset. It has been invaluable, and I discuss this in-depth in my book, The Power of Emotion. A growth mindset unlocks our learning capacity and generates resilient thinking and attitude. It helps us even in the darkest times.
The Importance of Resilience
Life predictably delivers challenges, some considerably harder to guide than others. We measure our resilience by our capacity to recover from difficulties that come our way.
Resilience is crucial because it empowers individuals to effectively cope with and recover from adversity, setbacks, and difficult circumstances. It enables them to maintain a balanced mental and emotional state, adapt to change, and progress despite challenges. Resilience promotes better mental health and fosters personal growth, increased problem-solving skills, and the ability to maintain stable relationships. In essence, resilience equips individuals with the tools to navigate life's ups and downs with greater strength and flexibility.
Resilience Strategies to Develop To Support Encountering Adversity
Increasing resilience can help combat adversity by enhancing an individual's ability to bounce back from difficult situations. Here are some key ways resilience to develop and its benefits in facing adversity:
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Emotional Regulation - Resilience involves recognizing and managing emotions effectively. This strategy helps individuals cope with adversity-related stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
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Positive Mindset - A resilient person maintains a positive outlook. They focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, which can help them navigate adversity more effectively.
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Social Support - Building a strong support network of friends and family provides a safety net during tough times. Resilience is often strengthened through these connections.
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Adaptability - Resilient individuals can adjust to new circumstances. This flexibility is valuable when facing unexpected adversity.
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Self-Compassion -Being kind to oneself during challenging times is critical to resilience. Self-compassion helps prevent self-criticism and fosters a stronger sense of self-worth.
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Problem-Solving -Resilience often involves problem-solving and decision-making skills that enable individuals to navigate adversity and find effective solutions.
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Physical Health - Physical well-being, including regular exercise and a healthy diet, contributes to resilience. A healthy body can better cope with stress and adversity.
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Mental Health - When needed, Seeking professional help and therapy is essential for building resilience. Mental health support can provide tools to manage adversity effectively.
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Learn from Adversity -Resilient people see adversity as an opportunity for growth and learning. They reflect on their experiences and use them to develop new skills and insights.
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Coping Strategies -Developing healthy coping strategies, such as mindfulness, meditation, or creative outlets, can build resilience by helping individuals manage stress and negative emotions.
Remember, increasing resilience takes time and effort, but it can significantly improve one's ability to combat adversity and thrive in life's challenges.
Emotional Intelligence Supports Resilience
As we build our resilience, we advance our emotional intelligence, which benefits us in several ways. Research indicates emotional intelligence can support an individual's power during a crisis.
Emotional intelligence is pivotal in bolstering resilience by enhancing an individual's ability to manage and navigate challenging situations. People with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to recognize and understand their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This self-awareness and empathy contribute to effective coping strategies, adaptive problem-solving, and healthy relationships during adversity. By regulating emotions and practicing empathy, emotionally intelligent individuals can foster a sense of inner strength and connection with others, ultimately leading to increased resilience in the face of life's inevitable setbacks.
Building resilience allows us to learn from and gracefully react to adversity. It’s a skill that takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself as you incorporate these strategies into your life. Each day, we can work towards continual improvement to strengthen our resilience and emotional intelligence. You can find many more tips for self-improvement in my book, The Power of Emotion, or my numerous emotional intelligence blogs.
This article was originally published on September 28, 2021, and has been updated (September 2023).
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