Build resilience and thrive in ‘Vuca’ world
Office Coach
RESILIENCE can be defined as “an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change”.
Now, we all recognise that we live in a “Vuca” world – one that is
volatile, uncertain, complex ambiguous.
and Arguably, resilience is one of the key requirements for survival in today’s world. Here are some of the daily choices we can all make to build personal resilience. If we can get this right, then we may even thrive in this “Vuca” world!
Epictetus wrote, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters”. Choosing to accept these words as truth can bring a sense of personal power. Sometimes, we may be tempted to behave like children, to stamp our feet and to wail at the injustices of the world.
A question to ask in such tempestuous moments is, “how will this reaction serve me and what impact will it have on those around me?”
These questions can serve as a reality check, drawing us away from ego and emotions towards more logical thinking.
Choose to understand what is really important. We will win some battles and lose others. We will get some things right and we will mess up spectacularly in other areas. It is important to recognise the importance of each of these and to see them in the broader schemes of our lives.
A litmus test that I regularly apply, is to ask, “Will this matter six months from now?”. If the answer is “no”, then I put it behind me without a second thought. If it will matter, or will continue to manifest in six months’ time, then the root of the problem/failure/misfortune needs to be addressed.
Choose to cut yourself some slack. We all have inherent flaws, lapses in concentration, emotional outbursts, fatigue and many other shortcomings that are entirely human and shared by millions. Perfection is an unattainable standard and when we fall short of it, we do not have to punish ourselves as long as the less-than-perfect behaviour does not become a bad habit or set a lower performance standard.
Choose to focus forward. Resilience is fostered when we move forward by making progress and emerge from misfortune or change in a better position.
A forward focus shifts us into action and it arises from the belief that achieving success is about consistent improvement. If we focus forward, we see success as a lifelong journey. Successful people are happy to keep trying until they get what they want.
Choose to recognise personal strengths. Resilient people are confident they’re going to succeed eventually, despite the setbacks or stresses they might be facing. This belief in themselves also enables them to take risks. When we develop confidence and a strong sense of self, we have the strength to keep moving forward and to take the risks we need to get ahead.
Importantly, the more we choose to recognise personal strengths, the less inclined we are to worry about what others think of us.
A sense of personal control is at the core of human resilience. Resilient people spend their time and energy focusing on situations and events that they believe they have control over. Because they put their efforts where they can have the most impact, they feel empowered and confident. We control the choices we make.
It makes sense, then, that we start there.