5 STRATEGIES TO BUILD RESILIENCE  

Isn’t it amazing how life loves to throw challenges at us? Career setbacks, our personal life isn’t where we want it to be, or we’re just feeling overwhelmed – resilience is what helps us bounce back – not just to survive but to thrive amidst adversity. Are you ready to start building that muscle? I know you are, so here are 5 practical strategies to face whatever life throws at you head-on: 

 

1.  LOOK AT CHALLENGES MORE LIKE OPPORTUNITIES

Life’s not giving you challenges – life is giving you opportunities. When life gets hard, it’s easy to see obstacles like roadblocks preventing you from getting where you want to go. 

But what if you looked at them differently? Every challenge can be an opportunity. How many of your greatest breakthroughs happened when things didn’t go as planned? 

What you can do: The next time things go a bit sideways, ask yourself, “What is this teaching me? How is this an opportunity?”
 

2.  CULTIVATE YOUR GROWTH MINDSET

Believing that you can improve and adapt is the foundation of resilience. When you approach challenges with a growth mindset, you see setbacks as temporary, not permanent. 

What you can do: Tell yourself that you can grow from this or that you haven’t mastered this yet. Track the small progress and celebrate wins.
 

3.  BUILD STRONG CONNECTIONS AROUND YOU

No one said you had to go through tough times alone. Resilient people build strong support systems—whether it’s family, friends, or mentors—who provide perspective and encouragement when things get tough. 

What you can do: Don’t isolate yourself when things get hard. Reach out. It can be as simple as grabbing coffee with a friend or having an honest conversation with someone who understands. Remember, we honor the people we love when we let them be in the mud with us.
 

4.  FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s probably because you’re focusing on things outside of your control—like the future, or other people’s reactions. Shift your energy toward what you can control: your mindset, your actions, your responses. 

What you can do: Next time you’re in a tough spot, make a list of what you can control. Start there and act on those things. You’ll likely feel more empowered and less stressed.
 

5.  PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION

You’re human—you’re allowed to have tough days. Building resilience doesn’t mean you don’t feel things, it means you bounce back. Treat yourself with kindness on the hard days. 

What you can do: When you catch yourself being critical, stop and ask, “Would I say this to a friend in the same situation?” Practice giving yourself the same grace you’d give them.