Resiliency: Seven Traits of People Who Bounce Back from Stress

By Karen Susman

Resiliency is the ability to bounce back like one of those weighted punch-me blow-up clowns that pop back up after you hit it. You probably know if you're resilient; but just in case you were wondering, here are seven qualities that resilient people share. Resilient people: Bounce back and recover from anything. These are not people who must be sedated when a fingernail breaks or they miss a putt. These are people you know who have been challenged over and over, pull the covers over their heads temporarily, and then face the world in a forward direction to take on new challenges. Resilient people aren't Pollyannas. You may label them "survivors," but they call themselves "thrivers." Have a "where there's a will, there's a way" attitude. Resilient people don't take "no" for an answer. They have a high tolerance for frustration. They figure there must be a way around, over, under or through obstacles. Winston Churchill said it well, "Never give up. Never give up. Never, never, never give up." Define problems as opportunities. Their joy comes from seeing an opportunity wearing a problem costume and turning it into a bouquet of roses. Maximize small windows of opportunity. They see the possibilities in situations other people miss. Have faith in something. They believe that there is a power greater than they are. They have a value and belief system that guides them and makes it easier to make decisions and substantiate their lives. Their beliefs and values form an inner core that resists external bumps and bruises. Nurture a social support network. Friends, teachers, co-workers, family, church, hobbies, gym mates supply more than guidance. A support system acts as a buffer between them and hardship. Develop a wide comfort zone. Resilient people aren't afraid to try new things, meet new people and go new places. Thus, life isn't quite as scary for them as it is for people who've never moved, never eaten exotic foods, or interacted with a diverse mix of people. They know if they had to live elsewhere they could, if they had to generate an income from a new source, they could, and if they had to make new friends, they could. Read Part Two: Ten Ways to Build Resiliency.

Karen Susman is a Speaker, Trainer, Coach, and Author of 102 Top Dog Networking Secrets. Karen works with organizations that want to maximize performance. Programs include Humour at Work; Balance In Life; Networking Skills; Presentation Skills; and Building Community Involvement. Order new guidebooks on humour, networking, time management, and community involvement by calling 1-888-678-8818 or e-mail Karen@KarenSusman.com.. www.KarenSusman.com.

Published in Networking Today, November, 2006.