5 Habits of Resilient People: A Comprehensive Guide

Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, to bounce back from adversity, and to keep going in the face of challenges. It's a quality shared by people who are able to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and grit. But resilience isn't something you're born with – it's a skill that can be developed. In this blog post, we're going to explore five key habits of resilient people and discuss how you can cultivate these habits in your own life.

1. Focusing on Their 'Circle of Control'

Resilient people understand the importance of focusing on what they can control, rather than what's out of their control. The 'circle of control' refers to the things that you have direct influence over, like your actions and attitudes. Instead of worrying about external circumstances or other people's actions, resilient individuals concentrate on their own behaviour and reactions. This focus on self-management and personal agency is a cornerstone of resilience, as it encourages proactive behaviour and reduces feelings of helplessness.

2. Setting Ambitious Goals

Another characteristic of resilient people is their ability to set and pursue ambitious goals. These goals serve as a fuel for their resilience, providing a sense of purpose and motivation in challenging times. When faced with obstacles, they don't see them as insurmountable barriers, but as chances to learn, grow, and improve. They understand that the path to achieving their goals may not always be smooth, but they remain committed to their vision and continue to strive for it, regardless of the difficulties they face.

3. Managing Difficult Emotions

Resilient people are adept at managing difficult emotions. They practice emotional intelligence, which involves being aware of their emotions, understanding them, and responding appropriately. Instead of reacting impulsively to stressful situations, they take the time to process their emotions and respond in a thoughtful and constructive manner. This ability to 'respond not react' helps them to maintain their composure in the face of adversity and to make rational decisions even in emotionally charged situations.

4. Reframing Challenges

Resilient individuals have a unique ability to reframe challenges and extract learning from their experiences. They are positive thinkers who view hardships not as failures, but as opportunities for growth and development. They understand that every experience, good or bad, offers valuable lessons that can help them in the future. This ability to change their perspective and find the silver lining in difficult situations is a key aspect of their resilience.

5. Seeking Help and Expressing Emotions

Lastly, resilient people are not afraid to ask for help or to express their emotions. They understand that seeking assistance or talking about their feelings is not a sign of weakness, but a strength. They do not bottle up their emotions, but openly discuss them, which helps them to process their feelings and to gain support from others. This openness and willingness to seek help not only aids in overcoming challenges, but also fosters a sense of community and connection with others.

In conclusion, resilience is not a trait that only a few 'lucky' individuals possess. It's a set of skills and habits that anyone can develop. By focusing on what's in your control, setting ambitious goals, managing your emotions, reframing challenges, and seeking help when needed, you can cultivate resilience and navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease and determination.

About The Author

Caroline Dakin

Caroline is our Head of Learning & Development and the founder and owner of Caroline Dakin Associates. Her thought-provoking leadership development programs and workplace resilience courses help businesses across the globe to build high-performing teams. Her unique and interactive delivery style encourages participants to question their leadership qualities and challenges them to, not only reach but surpass their potential. Backed up by neuroscience and supplemented with practical tools, techniques and resources, her training inspires action and change for a better, more resilient workplace. Caroline is also an accomplished speaker and can be found sharing her unique take on resilience at corporate leadership events, national awareness days, industry conferences, and educational seminars.