A Resilient Mindset - What, Can I and How?
“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.” John Wooden, legendary basketball coach
Much of the support and training I have delivered over the last few years has covered mindset, and within this, how to ensure a resilient mindset. I have had the privilege of working alongside Olympians and other elite athletes on this area and getting their take. I have backed this up with a spot of academia. And I have delivered Keynotes and been on Panels to discuss this subject.
I was tasked by a client, working at full tilt to deal with the situation we are all currently facing, to give some turbo-charged advice on this area. Cutting through all the complexities, research and debate, here are the three key points I made.
What do we mean by a resilient mindset?
Sounds like a simple question doesn’t it? But when these terms get bandied around so much, it’s important to be clear what you understand by them. Everyone might have their own subtle take. I tend to go back to the origins of the word, the Latin word ‘resilire’ meaning to jump back. This is where the concept of ‘bouncebackability’ comes from, but others focus more on the concept of keeping going whatever is thrown at you, persevering and not being defeated. Take a few minutes to work out what it means for you. And to help you do this, consider: (i) what feelings and thoughts come to mind; and (ii) who comes to mind.
Can I build it?
Yes. The research tells us this. And you know this is true because you will have had your own experience of this in the past. A resilient mindset is like a muscle - sometimes well used, sometimes not, but definitely something you can work at and develop.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” Charles Swindoll
How?
Keeping in mind your overall objective in any given situation.
Framing. How you conceptualise a situation/an event is absolutely key in how you respond. What perspective do you take? Can you see opportunities in adverse and challenging situations, or do you just focus on the negatives? Research has consistently shown how the way in which we frame situations has an impact on our response, and the more able we are to find the positives, the more resilient we are able to be.
Use your support network. We all have times when, even with the most positive and optimistic attitude, we struggle. Don’t try and do it alone - use those around you to help. Look to friends and family, in particular identifying the ‘radiators’ who can help boost your mindset.
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances; to choose one’s way.” Victor E Frankl, holocaust survivor.
For more information on this area, or for any direct help, please get in touch here