What is resilience and how does it help prevent burnout?

Resilience:

Definition- the ability of material to absorb energy when it is elastically deformed and then the ability to release that energy upon unloading (from material science)—maximum energy that can be absorbed without creating permanent distortion.  

A Resilience Metaphor: bamboo (a grass, actually)

Resilience is under our control and enables us to thrive in adversity, making us able to make good (quick) decisions in instances of difficulty.  It turns victims into survivors (“thrivers”) with a variety of skills.

What are components of resilience? It’s foremost a mind-set! (learn from the past, plan for the future).  Resilience is a lot about Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and soft skills, but it also takes some analytical intelligence.

EQ/Soft Skills:

·       Emotional Regulation (very key, especially in “the moment”)- regulated emotions and thoughts are very helpful

·       Empathy (for others, and for yourself)

·       Impulse Control (read: delayed gratification plus)

·       Self-efficacy- the knowledge that you alone control your life and its outcomes is key for resilience (believing you are master of your environment and that there is a solution to the problem)- this gives you a high level of commitment to solving the issue

·       Self-esteem- “humble” is being able to accurately appraise your life, good sense of self, and can perceive and express their thoughts and feelings- have found meaning and purpose in what they do

·       Reaching out to others - Good Relationships (or at least one, with healthy boundaries) – someone to lean on (& ability to share)

·       Being Proactive (realistically balanced optimistic) in your Thinking (what you think is key, for health and success)   

PLUS:

Analytical Skills: the ability to detect the source of the problem and figure out the most likely outcomes is also necessary for ling-term resilience (including risk assessment- ability to see real and perceived risks)

        And Problem Solving: incremental, purposeful actions to deal with the issue

When we use these skills correctly, we are much more likely to overcome out adversities and thrive.

Enjoy a resilient week,

Patricia Jehle   patricia@jehle-coaching.com

Thoughts and takeaways from reading this book: The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding your Inner Strength and Overcoming Life’s Hurdles, Karen Reivich and Andrew Shatte