Crises, challenges and trials land on us uninvited. The question is not if you will face a crisis or a challenge but when. We find ourselves in what for many of us are the uncharted waters of a prolonged period of global uncertainty.
Like me you probably thought this will be over by now, restrictions for a few months and then let’s get back to normal. Or at least some kind of return to routine. Now we have to dig deeper and I think our minds are having a little trouble adjusting.
So how can you stay sane in prolonged periods of uncertainty like this?
The short answer is develop resilience.
The difference between someone who falls apart or experiences paralysis and someone who digs deep and resolves to take the next step is resilience. The good news is whilst some people may be naturally more resilient it is in fact something you can develop.
Practically speaking …
First of all I would say acknowledge the reality of where you are. If you are disturbed or even a little distressed by what is happening then don’t bury it let it out for some air. Then decide what are you going to focus on.
In his recent article in Harvard Business Review (29/09/20) Marcus Buckingham’s research into resilience revealed that we are more likely to develop resilience if we are told what is happening straight. In other words don’t downplay what’s going on, don’t sugar coat it let us have it because we are more likely to work out how to deal with it.
Focus on the fact that things are changing and think about what you need to do to adapt to the new situation.
Secondly the truth is although we don’t know when – THIS TOO WILL PASS! It maybe horrible and inconvenient but at some point we will learn to live with Covid 19, find a vaccine and move on into whatever new “normal” we now face.
And finally for this blog: Resilience is not some magical quality; it takes real mental work to transcend hardship. But even after misfortune, resilient people are able to change course and move toward achieving their goals. There\’s growing evidence that the elements of resilience can be cultivated.”
In our next blog I will look at what to focus on so that you develop your resilience.
