Fostering Resilience

Coping fast and adapting to new situations are very crucial in individuals facing psychological stress, inconvenience and challenges. However, nothing in this world is totally within our control. There are many things that are excessive to carry, which either make or break as individuals. Whichever outcome these situations yield, all of us need to foster resilence, which is an individual's ability to come back after an adversely socially disadvantageous occurrence. Sometimes, resilience is referred to as the human spirit fighting against all odds. However, the question remains on how to build up, nurture and develop resilience. This is the focus of this blogpost.

Strengthen one self

Knowing one's positive and negative attributes is the keypoint for fostering resilience. Without self-awareness, one can not develop these traits to an improved one, to be utilized in stressful situations. In times of emergencies, calamities and unexpected events, the strong ones make use of what they have to protect the weak ones. In return, the weak ones contribute at least what they think is useful and beneficial for everyone. This is the great assumption of cooperation during these adverse situations. However, these characteristics are tested well when one is alone, and there is no one who could aid in one way or another. Knowing and trusting oneself is the source of strength within. Moreover, a positive outlook in life works. It is useless to know ourselves but believing everything will go wrong. As they say, what we think is how we create our reality and future.

Build reliable social networks

No man is an island. This is quite given. All of us live in a community or within a group of individuals. The purpose of the society is to nurture, protect and support its members. However, nowadays, finding someone is quite easy, but making them do something good for someone is extremely difficult and rare. It is therefore, not the size of the social network one builds, but to how one could rely on each individual in that network in times of difficulties. One gains new friends, and retain the old. Some may lose contact or communicate less, but what matters most is that one knows that when in times of need, one could rely on them without conditions or whatsoever.

Focus and act on improvement and solutions

Effective individuals focus not on the problems, they are focused on the process of problem-solving and resolution thereafter. Problems are not all negative for resilient individuals. There are also problems focusing on how to improve things. They see the process starts with assessing the problem thoroughly, then setting a goal, identifying measures to address the problem and realize the goal, act on it without procastination but with prudence, have the courage to accept outcomes of actions, and find more ways to suffice unmet goals. The process maybe tedious but it is flexible. Resilient individuals would know what to do first and utilize more resources on one thing than other, just for the sake coming up with solutions and enhancing their current situation.

Adapt to change and cope better

There are many ways to cope. Some are ineffective and temporary, but all measures help one to maintain one's self-confidence and ego. Whatever it is, use it. People around should also have the understanding, openness and tolerance that coping does not necessarily be stoic and relaxed. People get frustrated, saddened and angry in the process. Humans have natural emotions, which are valid reactions to our experiences. Everyone reacts but varies in intensity, pace and manner. The most important is everyone are allowed to cope, even everyone experiences the same hardship and difficulties. Those who handle and cope effectively would find better ways next time difficulties happen. That is just how we human beings are.

Develop self-control

Usually the first reaction of man to adverse situations are the most crucial in adverse situations. Keeping oneself as focused as possible is a step towards self-control. Panic is something that one should avoid. Therefore, it is always mind over matter to endure the pain, difficulties and emotional constraints situation brings with it. Here is where novice, the immature and inexperienced usually fails. They jump over the ship and do something without carefully seeing the potential dangers ahead. Practice on taking responsibility of small things aid in attaining self-control because when a person takes responsibilities even the small ones, there is always a risk of failing and prudent actions are required to overturn failures, of which are actions necessitating self-control.

Lastly, our experiences define what kind of man we become. The manner we behave during these experiences either strengthen and weaken who we are. Therefore, resilient individuals are not just humans with strength and courage. They also have the will and humility to accept that inspite how hard they attempt to gain control, they are still nothing against some forces that would threaten to get almost everything they have and love. It is therefore who are able to recognize one's vulnerabilities are those who have the valuable characteristic of resilience.