5 Top Reasons Resilience At Work Matters

When we experience disaster, trauma, or distressing psychological events in our personal or professional lives, we usually react with grief and a range of negative emotions. Which is, of course, a natural reaction to having our hopes dashed or our goals thwarted. However, such experiences are not only an inevitable part of life but virtually required for growth, development, and the ability to not only survive in adversity but thrive.

My theory is that the best way to enhance one’s resilience, grit and mental toughness is with intentional practice. My first meaningful experience developing this philosophy came while training for the Navy SEAL selection program. I had moved to Crested Butte, CO to train my body and mind at extremely high altitudes for several months. This mindset later became the fuel I needed for my journey on the battlefields of both combat and business – where resilience is a prerequisite for success…

Are You Resilient?

Most of us experience at least one traumatic event in our lives, ranging from bankruptcy to violence. Even the luckiest will stumble upon hard times, such as heartbreak or the loss of a loved one. Yet humans are resilient, like a soft metal that doesn’t shatter when bent. We may suffer mild anxiety or depression for a short period following tragedy, but we usually carry on after the pain subsides, sometimes even wiser and nimbler than before.

It’s handy to know how resilient you are before turbulent times hit so that you can learn how to recover faster. We’ve put together a research-informed but non-diagnostic quiz to help. As you answer each question, the next one comes into view. Read on after the test for tips on how to develop and enhance traits associated with people who function well despite adversity…