Resilience..

“The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness” (Oxford dictionary) A conversation with someone I respect and care about last night has prompted this post this today.

These current times have tested all of us. Our capacity to wade through unfamiliar territory. Our ability to adapt and protect our families and livelihood in such a worrying time. Having to put on a brave face and move forward with resolve, when it’s the last thing you feel like doing.

It does not matter who you are or where you live, everyone has been impacted by this global pandemic.

Resilience is a remarkable thing. The ability to get back up and keep going in difficult times is one of the most important skills we have. Life will throw a whole lot of stuff at you – it is inevitable. We all have our own mechanisms for getting back up on our feet. It is what keeps us going.

I am only going to speak to personal resilience in respect of your career in this post. There are life changing events that have a far reaching personal impact and require specific attention. I felt it important for me to separate the two.

There are many studies and theories on how to build resilience. Getting enough sleep, exercise, eating well, mindfulness and meditation often feature. There is plenty of information in varying formats available on this topic, including Ted Talks and HBR webinars. Find the source that works for you.

There are those who have lost jobs, or those watching that perfect new opportunity being “put on hold”. Those who were already unhappy and now feel trapped, without any light in sight and those who had started a new business venture and are doing their best to keep afloat.

How we respond to something stressful, unexpected and difficult in our career, differs for each of us.

Whether you spend a day in pyjamas watching favorite old shows and having a good cry over a glass (or 3) of wine. (I will admit having spent a whole day in bed feeling sorry for myself!). Whether you fume, stomp and yell, or whether you go for a long run or ride.

It doesn’t matter what you do – allow yourself a good old wallow for a limited time and then stop. Dust yourself off, get back out there and show what you can do with a bit of fire in your belly.

Learn from the experience. If you did not get that job you really wanted, understand why. Is there a development opportunity for you? What skills do you need to work on? Did you not interview well – how can you improve on this?

It may be they just felt the successful person was a better fit. In fact there is nothing else you could have done, or brought by way of experience.

Dissect as best you can, however for the purpose of moving forward, not for beating yourself up! The world is not going to implode. What it means is, this was not the right role for you and it is bringing you closer to the one that is.

If you are made redundant or things are just not working out for you – "kick the can" down the road for a little and then think of the exciting possibilities that may exist ahead. This may be a life changing career shift opportunity.

We have no idea when or why particular doors open or close at certain times. I always find it fascinating how when you look back years later at something you missed out on – you are so grateful you did.

Things will happen through your career that you are not happy with. It will be bumpy, disappointing and exhilarating. It is your career, so lean in and be the architect of your future – not a victim of circumstances.

In closing this post, in addition to taking care of yourself and remaining strong, make sure you check in on those around you. Be extra mindful and aware, as not everyone has the ability to easily find their way out of a spiral. There are also a number of fantastic organisations available to provide extra help and advice where you think it might be needed.

Keep safe and take particular care during this time. Never ever stop believing in yourself. Until next time Lisa