Resilience. It’s not some magical attribute you’re either bestowed with at birth or left without.
Rather, it’s an impressive blend of behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and honed by any willing individual. What’s fascinating is that those who possess a high level of resilience – those who’ve mastered the art of bouncing back from adversity – often aren’t even aware of the powerful behaviors they’re exhibiting.
In this article, we’re going to explore 8 behaviors commonly displayed by deeply resilient individuals, often without realizing it.
You may find that you already possess a few, or perhaps you’re just beginning your journey towards resilience. Either way, get ready. Understanding these behaviors is like finding a roadmap to personal growth and success.
Let’s dive in.
1) Embracing change
“Nature loves nothing so much as to change what it is and to create new things in their likeness” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Ever found yourself in an entirely unexpected situation, one that threw your plans out the window? How did you respond?
Change is inevitable. It’s natural.
Truly resilient people know this and then treat it not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth and learning. They adapt, pivot, and use change to their advantage. This ability to go with the flow is often the difference between those who get bogged down by adversity and those who rise above it.
2) Remaining positive
“What disturbs men’s minds is not events but their judgements on events” – Epictetus (The Discourses of Epictetus 1916)
Let me tell you a story.
A few years ago, I found myself in the midst of a major career shift. It was unexpected and, honestly, quite terrifying. But instead of sinking into negative thoughts and worry, I chose to remain upbeat. I looked at this shift as a chance to explore new opportunities and expand my horizons.
Guess what? It worked wonders.
This is something deeply resilient people do without even realizing it – they maintain a positive outlook, no matter how grim the circumstances might be. They understand that negativity drains energy and hinders progress.
By choosing positivity, they’re able to see the silver lining and navigate through life’s storms with a much clearer perspective. It’s not about blind optimism but about having a balanced view of situations.
3) Learning from failure
Thomas Edison, the genius inventor behind the electric light bulb, once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
This quote perfectly encapsulates a behavior that resilient people often display – the ability to learn from failure.
Deeply resilient individuals view failure not as a dead-end but as a detour to a better route. They understand that failure is an integral part of success and use it as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. They learn from their mistakes, make necessary adjustments and move forward with increased knowledge and determination.
Don’t fear failure; learn from it. Because every failure brings you one step closer to success.
4) Proactive problem-solving
Picture this: You’re faced with a massive problem, one that seems insurmountable. You have two options. You can either sit back, worry about it, and let it take over your life, or you can roll up your sleeves, dive into the problem, and start looking for solutions.
Deeply resilient individuals almost always choose the latter. They’re proactive problem-solvers who don’t wait for issues to resolve themselves or for someone else to come and fix them. They take matters into their own hands and seek out solutions. This approach not only helps them overcome hurdles but also instills a sense of control and self-confidence.
5) Building strong relationships
“Do not be ashamed to be helped” – Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
Science has shown us the powerful impact of social connections on our mental and physical health. In fact, a study by Harvard researchers found that good relationships keep us happy into old age and can even help us live longer!
Resilient individuals often unknowingly tap into this power. They build and maintain strong relationships that provide emotional support, lending strength in times of crisis.
These connections form a robust social network that acts as a buffer against stress and adversity, promoting resilience and encouraging recovery. Being there for others and knowing that others are there for them is a source of comfort and strength to resilient people. So, if you’re looking to bolster your resilience, fostering meaningful relationships might be a good place to start.
6) Practicing self-care
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to neglect our own needs and well-being. But resilient individuals understand the importance of self-care. They know that to face life’s challenges head-on, they need to be at their best, both physically and mentally.
They engage in regular exercise, maintain a healthy diet, ensure they get enough sleep, and take time out to relax and rejuvenate. More than just physical self-care, they also pay attention to their mental well-being by practicing mindfulness, meditation, or other stress-management techniques.
Resilience isn’t just about how well you can handle adversity – it’s also about how you take care of yourself on a regular basis.
7) Cultivating a growth mindset
Resilient individuals often possess what psychologist Carol Dweck refers to as a ‘growth mindset‘. They believe in their ability to develop and grow, seeing challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. They aren’t discouraged by setbacks; instead, they embrace them as part of the learning process.
This growth mindset allows resilient individuals to persevere in the face of adversity, confident in their ability to learn, adapt, and overcome. They understand that growth comes from pushing through discomfort and stretching beyond their current capabilities.
So whether you’re facing a minor hiccup or a major setback, remember that it’s all part of your growth journey. Embrace it, learn from it, and come out stronger on the other side.
8) Demonstrating emotional intelligence
Last but not least, emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as those of others, is a common trait among resilient individuals. They’re in tune with their emotions, demonstrating a high level of self-awareness.
This allows them to manage their emotional response to stress and adversity effectively.
Moreover, their emotional intelligence enables them to empathize with others, building stronger and more supportive relationships. They’re not just resilient themselves, but they also help foster resilience in those around them.
The bottom line
Resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges or hardships. It’s about developing the strength and mindset to navigate through them and emerge stronger.
And while deeply resilient individuals often exhibit these behaviors without realizing it, anyone can learn and cultivate these characteristics. Whether it’s embracing change, remaining positive, learning from failure, or practicing emotional intelligence, each step brings you closer to becoming a more resilient person.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Do you resonate with these behaviors? Or perhaps you’ve noticed other traits that help build resilience?
Feel free to share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Your journey towards resilience might just inspire someone else on theirs.
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
