Resilience means the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens.  Some people believe that resilience is innate while others believe it is something that can be learned.

Research shows that resilient people share common qualities:

• Connected. Resilient people rely on others to help them manage tougher times.  Good social support helps people sustain a higher quality of life.

• Optimistic. People who demonstrate a “glass is half full” attitude do better at managing crisis.

• Spiritual. Those who have a spiritual faith tend to get through difficult times better.  Al Siebert calls this “The Resiliency Advantage” which is the name of his book.

• Playful. They have a curiosity about life.  They enjoy themselves like children.

• Give back. People who give back in some manner or pay it forward live longer.  Even the research supports this truth.

• Pick battles. Being able to recognize and choose which hill you will die on allows people to have greater control over their days.  Refocus energy on things that you can manage.

• Healthy. Stress can be best managed by eating healthy and exercising.  Lower stress leads to higher resilience.

• Silver lining. “Resilient people convert misfortune into good luck and gain strength from adversity” reports Seibert.  Each negative is seen as an opportunity to become a better human being.

Work to be a more resilient human being.  The rewards are so worth it both for self and others.  Just changing a few things in your life will help you to reach the goal of resilience.

“Once you truly possess all that you have been and done you are fierce with reality.” – Florida Scott Maxwell