Change can suck. Adversity can suck. Uncertainty can suck. To survive and thrive during change and transition we must develop the skill and mindset of resilience.

I’ve had several recent coaching clients tell me that I’ve supported them to increase resilience and better manage change and uncertainty. I got into coaching to help make a difference for other people. It’s always great to hear how other people are learning and growing from my experiences in situations relative to their goals. I’ve also been told by several important people in my life that I am resilient. I am neurodivergent and have A.D.D, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a caregiver for 2 parents with medical and cognitive issues. Though I appreciate the feedback, some days I’d like to not have to be so resilient. But, such is life!

In the grand theater of life, change, and turmoil often take center stage. From career transitions to personal challenges, the ability to adapt and bounce back becomes a defining trait of our character. Resilience, the capacity to withstand and grow stronger through adversity, is an invaluable asset that can help us weather life’s storms with grace and fortitude.

“It’s not the falling down that counts. It’s the getting up.” – Mary Pickford

The Essence of Resilience

Resilience is not merely about surviving; it’s about thriving. It’s the difference between enduring change and emerging from it as a stronger, more capable individual. Resilient individuals possess the emotional, mental, and psychological fortitude to confront challenges head-on and adapt to new circumstances.

The importance of resilience cannot be overstated, especially in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world. Psychologists define resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress—such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors. Whether you’re navigating a career change, a health crisis, or a personal loss, resilience can be your steadfast companion.

Here are some compelling reasons why resilience is crucial:

1. Embracing Change with Open Arms

Change is inevitable, and it often arrives unannounced. The resilient individual welcomes change as an opportunity for growth rather than fearing it as a disruptor of comfort. Resilience enables us to embrace change with open arms, recognizing that it can lead to innovation, personal development, and new horizons.

2. Bouncing Back from Adversity

Resilience equips us to bounce back from adversity. Instead of succumbing to despair in the face of failure or setbacks, resilient individuals view these moments as stepping stones on their journey. They learn from their experiences, adapt, and become even more determined to reach their goals.

3. Navigating Uncertainty with Confidence

Life is rife with uncertainty. Most of us are not big fans of uncertainty. Resilience provides us with the confidence to navigate uncharted waters. It allows us to approach the unknown with a positive attitude, knowing that we have the inner strength to handle whatever challenges may arise.

4. Maintaining Well-Being

Resilient individuals are more likely to maintain their physical and emotional well-being. Or at least try. They cope with stress more effectively, practice self-care, and seek support when needed. As a result, they tend to experience fewer adverse health effects related to stress and anxiety.

5. Enhancing Relationships

Resilience can have a ripple effect on our relationships. When we are resilient, we’re better equipped to handle interpersonal conflicts, empathize with others, and offer support to those around us. Strong relationships, in turn, contribute to our resilience by providing a robust support system.

Tips for Cultivating Resilience

The good news is that resilience is not a fixed trait; it can be developed and strengthened over time. Here are some practical tips to enhance your resilience during times of change and turmoil:

1. Build a Support Network:

Surround yourself with a network of friends and family who provide emotional support and understanding. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with trusted individuals can be incredibly therapeutic. I refer to these groups of trusted and supportive people, as vibe tribes. Find your vibe tribes!

2. Develop Emotional Awareness:

Emotional intelligence can also help with reliance. Understand and accept your emotions. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions during challenging times. Instead of suppressing them, acknowledge and process them. This self-awareness is a crucial step in building resilience.

3. Maintain a Positive Outlook:

Optimism is a key component of resilience. That doesn’t mean toxic optimism. It’s important to remain realistic. While it’s essential to acknowledge difficulties, maintain a positive perspective by focusing on solutions and opportunities for growth.

4. Adaptability:

As a coach and change and transformation specialist, I encounter this one frequently. Be flexible in your approach to change and transition. It’s not a one size fits all. Resilient individuals understand that rigid thinking can be a roadblock to progress. Embrace adaptability in thought and action as a way to overcome obstacles and discover new paths.

5. Set Realistic Goals:

Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. Achieving these smaller milestones can boost your confidence and sense of control in challenging situations. Like I often say, if you make 1% progress per day then in 100 days you’ve achieved 100% of your goal.

6. Practice Self-Care:

I can’t emphasize this one enough. Often people think that practicing self-care in the workplace is not appropriate or too personal. Nope! We need to put on our own oxygen masks before we can do anything for anyone else. Prioritize self-care activities that contribute to your well-being. Practice a combination of things for mind, body, and spirit. These may include exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

7. Seek Professional Help:

There’s no shame in seeking the assistance of mental health professionals or counselors when facing significant challenges. They can offer guidance, strategies, and support to help you navigate adversity. Although mental health professionals are not coaches, coaches are also not mental health professionals. Often, having a leadership coach, mentor, and mental health professional is a valuable trifecta for growth and resilience.

8. Learn from Your Experiences:

Develop and maintain a growth mindset. View setbacks and failures as opportunities for learning. Reflect on what went wrong, what you can do differently, and how you can apply these lessons to future challenges.

9. Maintain Perspective:

Remember that change and turmoil are a part of life. While they may be distressing in the moment, maintaining a long-term perspective can help you see the bigger picture and find purpose and learning in adversity.

10. Cultivate Gratitude:

Practice gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your life. Gratitude can help shift your perspective and build a reservoir of positivity to draw from during tough times. Some of my clients keep gratitude journals or do daily gratitude exercises. Whatever works for you.

In conclusion, resilience is not an innate trait but a skill that can be honed through desire, practice, and self-awareness. Trust me. It’s not easy. It’s an ongoing process! Working at and developing resilience empowers individuals to face change and turmoil with unwavering strength, helping them not only survive but thrive. By applying these tips and embracing the importance of resilience, you can become the protagonist of your life’s narrative, boldly navigating the twists and turns that come your way, and emerging stronger on the other side.

Want some support with developing your resilience? Let’s chat and see if my coaching can help!

About Scott Span, MSOD, CSM, ACC: is CEO at Tolero Solutions. As a people strategist, leadership coach, and change and transformation specialist, his work is focused on people. Through his consulting and training work, he supports clients to survive and thrive through change and transition and create people-focused cultures and a great employee experience. Through his coaching work, he supports people willing to dig deeper to identify and overcome what’s holding them back, change behaviors, accelerate performance, and achieve their goals.

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The Power of Resilience: Tips for Thriving in the Face of Change and Turmoil