5 Immediate Things You Can Do to Become More Resilient

In an era characterized by rapid change and unexpected challenges, resilience has become a critical attribute for anyone who refuses to settle for life as usual. The future demands individuals who will adapt, inspire, and thrive amidst uncertainty. Here are five key actionable strategies to bolster your resilience and ensure sustained success that will not only help you endure tough times, but also emerge stronger and more effective.

1. Be a Multi-Dimensional Thinker

To thrive in complex environments, adopt a multi-dimensional thinking approach. Linear thinking—putting all your eggs in one basket—limits potential outcomes. Instead, consider multiple perspectives and strategies. Ask all the questions. Have a plan B, C, and D, and conduct a 360-degree assessment of potential outcomes.

Action Step: Outline various “what-if” scenarios to prepare for diverse potential challenges.

2. Practice Vuja de

Embrace Vuja de, the opposite of déjà vu, to see old situations with fresh eyes. This approach can inspire innovative solutions and radical changes. There will come a time when you must let go of the old to embrace the new. Unleash your inner salmon and swim upstream in the opposite direction of what everyone else is doing.

Action Step: Regularly schedule brainstorming sessions with colleagues or people who challenge your thinking and encourage you to get out of your comfort zone.  

3. Be a Game-Changer

Either you change the game, or the game changes you. Challenge existing processes and continuously seek better ways to achieve goals. Game changers don’t settle; they inspire new thinking and innovative approaches. A man was interviewing for a position and the hiring manager called one of the references to verify his twenty-five years of experience. The previous employer said he had one year of experience repeated twenty-five times.

Action Step: Invest in attending personal and professional development workshops. Enroll in podcast university by listening to them and executing. Ask yourself frequently, “Where are the opportunities for me to act on immediately or improve processes and products?”  

4. Be the CEO of You, Inc.

Take control as if you are the CEO of your own company. Regularly assess your career trajectory, productivity, relationships, and skills. The late Jack Welch once shared that a private equity firm acquired a business that was doing $12 billion annually with 26,000 employees. He said, “In less than five years they will generate the same revenue with only 14,000 employees.” Read the tea leaves my friend.

Action Step: Conduct quarterly self-assessments and set personal development goals. Use tools like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to guide your career growth.

5. Distinguish Thyself

Your personal brand is how others perceive you. Stand out by cultivating unique qualities and continuously developing yourself in all areas of life. Establish a personal board of directors made up of men and women who “get you” and will challenge you in the eight core areas of your life – spiritual, family, career, financial, emotional, mental, social, and wellness. Plan to meet with them every 90 days and discuss what you have done to grow your brand and distinguish yourself from the rest of the pack.

Make sure it’s diverse and inclusive. If everyone in your circle looks like you, talks like you, and thinks like you, then your circle is too small.

Action Step: Establish a personal board of directors—mentors who can guide and challenge you. Meet quarterly to review your progress and set new goals.

Building resilience during turbulent times involves adopting a multi-dimensional mindset, seeking fresh perspectives, collaborating, being innovative, and taking control of your personal development. By following these actionable steps, you can enhance your ability to navigate challenges and emerge stronger.

Author: Simon T. Bailey is the world’s leading expert in Brilliance. The insights from his groundbreaking research, State of Working America Report – Thriving in Resilience and Brilliance, are solidified in his 11th book, Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. With Disney Institute as his launchpad, he’s left an indelible mark on 2,400 plus organizations in 54 countries, including American Express, Deloitte, Visa, Signet Jewelers, and Taco Bell. He has made a remarkable impact on 120,000 professionals who’ve experienced his pioneering courses on the LinkedIn Learning platform. He’s also been recognized as Success Magazine’s Top 25, alongside Brené Brown, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey, as well as being on leadersHum Top 200 Power List. His viral video, released on Goalcast through META, has over 91 million plus views to date. Learn more at simonbailey.com.