Have you ever thought about what it takes to be resilient? Turns out it’s not a mystery, though sometimes it feels like it is. Personal resilience is made up of four dimensions: determination, endurance, adaptability, and recuperability (Taormina, 2015). If you know how much you have of these, you can do things to improve your odds.
Let’s look at determination. Dictionary.com has 12 definitions for determination. Ready? Actually, you can focus on just a few words that stand out: resolute, setting a purpose, intention. Taormina (2015) said determination is willpower, perseverance, and the decision to succeed. Other synonyms are fortitude and grit.
Does this sound like you? I bet it does. As a matter of fact, you probably have a good degree of determination. Maybe you just haven’t thought of it as something that gives you resilience. Can you think of some things you do, or have done, when you were determined?
So what if you don’t think you are very determined? What can you do to change that? Keep reading.
Let’s look at one of the definitions: setting a purpose. To have the willpower to accomplish something, you have to have something to accomplish, right? So start with making a goal. What do you want to accomplish with your life? Or just with your day? You can start small if you need to.
So, now you have a goal. What do you need to reach that goal? This is where you figure out the steps you need to take. Your “To-Do” list, so to speak.
Look at each item on your list. Do you have the resources you need to check it off? If not, what do you need? How can you get it? Is there something you can substitute that would work?
If it seems simplistic, maybe it is a little. But, one of the things we do with problems is look at the big view of them. When we do that, it can get overwhelming. Do you have any challenges like that?
So look at your challenge. The challenge is the goal, right? Now break the challenge down. Look at the smaller pieces of it. Decide what parts of it are more important or have a higher priority. Make each part of it an item on your “To-Do” list.
Take one item at a time and figure out what you need to manage it or accomplish it. Then get to work! If you just focus on the smaller parts and get them done, you will eventually get everything finished and that challenge will be behind you.
Hey, if you want more information about how to do this, let me know! I’d love to help.
Oh, I almost forgot about the ant. You know, for such tiny critters they sure are determined. Take a look at this short video. Be warned! There’s a worm involved too. After you watch, come back and leave a comment at the bottom of the page. Let me know what you are determined about!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK71x7ZjjRQ&w=560&h=315]
Taormina, R. J. (2015). Adult Personal Resilience: A new theory, new measure, and practical implications. Psychological Thought, 8(1), 35-46. doi:10.5964/psyct.v8i1.126
November 21, 2016 © 2016 Resilient Medic