Have you ever known anyone who seems to sail through rough times? Whether they experience job loss, financial set-backs, or health issues, they seem to bounce back easily. What is it that sets these people apart? Resilience is the ability of people to cope with stress and crisis, and then rebound quickly. Highly resilient people have stress-resistant personalities. They don't fall apart during crisis; they're able to cope well with adversity, and learn valuable lessons from their tough experience.

Today, more than ever, resilience is needed in the workplace. Employees are experiencing on-going change in the workplace. They’re asked to take on new responsibilities, learn new skills, and do more with less. Not only that, but they’re dealing with uncertainty and the on-going threat of layoffs. Highly resilient workers are able to cope well with high levels of on-going, disruptive change. They’re able to change to a new way of working when the old way is no longer possible. And they sustain good health and energy when under constant pressure.

Although some people are naturally more resilient than others, resilience can also be learned, according to Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., co-author of The Power of Resilience. How can you become more resilient? Here are 10 ways to build resilience.

1. Develop a strong sense of purpose.
   Resilient people have a strong sense of purpose and meaning for why they are doing what they’re doing. They are guided by a vision that gives meaning to their work and lives.


2. Develop a healthy sense of control.
   The emphasis is on “personal control”. Resilient people focus their energy on those events that they have influence over, rather than situations beyond their control. They accept circumstances that cannot be changed. Entrepreneur, Tim Baumgartner, an independent sales rep who sold electronics to Circuit City, was blind-sided when the company filed for bankruptcy. Within months, however, he launched an online consumer electronics store. “Whining and complaining about how you find yourself here doesn’t help,” Baumgartner says. “I’ve refocused my energy on the start-up.”


3. See change as a challenge or opportunity.
   Resilient people tend to see change as a challenge to confront and overcome, rather than an unbearable problem or a stress to avoid. They also see change as an opportunity for self-reflection, learning and growth.


4. Develop self-confidence.
   Resilient people have a healthy concept of self. They believe in themselves and their strength and ability.


5. Be optimistic.
   Maintain a hopeful outlook, expecting good things to happen. People with an optimistic outlook do better at managing stress and chaos. When you catch yourself thinking negatively, challenge yourself to reframe the situation more positively. For example, when you open your 401K statement, think: “If I change my investment strategy, I’ll do better” instead of “I’ll never recoup my losses.”


6. Build good social support.
   Resilient people rely on others to help them survive tough times. Developing a good social support network of friends and family can help lessen the impact of stress in our lives.


7. Become flexible and adaptable.
   Resilient people are able to adapt to new people and situations quickly. They can let go of the old way of doing things and quickly learn new procedures and skills. They can also tolerate high levels of ambiguity and uncertainty in situations.


8. Use sound problem-solving strategies.
   Resilient people use their logical and creative mind to map out sound problem-solving strategies. They set realistic goals and outline a specific plan of action.


9. Have a good sense of humor.
   Research shows that humor can lessen the impact of stress. Resilient people are playful and curious. They find the humor in rough situations, and can laugh at themselves.


10. Stay healthy.
    A good diet and regular physical activity helps alleviate stress. Resilient people take care of their body and mind. They exercise regularly, take time for relaxing activities, and maintain balance in their lives.

Resilience will not prevent challenges from coming your way. However, it will help you be prepared mentally for whatever comes your way – whether taking on an increased workload, having your pay cut, or being laid off. Resilience will not only help you survive, but thrive, in the workplace.

---

Kathleen Barton is a keynote speaker, workshop presenter, and life coach specializing in life purpose, career success, and work-life balance. She is the author of The Balancing Act: Managing Work & Life audio/workbook. Kathleen can be reached at www.YourLifeBalanceCoach.com.