Reclaiming Resiliency: Beyond the Negative Connotations

Recently, a friend shared how the word "resilient" has taken on a negative tone in some BIPOC and marginalized communities, similar to how "be positive" can be associated with toxic positivity. This got me thinking. While it's crucial to acknowledge and address these concerns, it's also vital to recognize that resiliency, in its true form, is essential for both individuals and organizations to thrive.

True Resiliency: Bouncing Back and Moving Forward

Resiliency is about the ability to bounce back from challenges, adapt to changes, and innovate in the face of adversity. Organizations that master this will be the ones prepared for the future, ready to handle unforeseen barriers and thrive in a constantly evolving environment. Those that don't will be left behind, unable to cope with the demands of a rapidly changing world.

But here's the thing: an organization can’t be resilient without resilient individuals leading the way. Leaders set the tone for the entire organization. Their ability to navigate stress, adapt to new situations, and inspire others is what builds a resilient culture.

My Journey of Building Resilience

Reflecting on my own life, I see how various experiences have shaped my resilience. Growing up in a chaotic environment taught me how to navigate uncertainty and develop strong stress management techniques. Later, military training helped me cultivate discipline, mental toughness, and the ability to adapt quickly. These experiences, combined with a commitment to continuous self-development, have helped me build a strong foundation of resilience.

Natural personality traits also play a role. I've always been naturally optimistic and persistent, which has helped me stay focused and motivated even when faced with significant challenges. These qualities, along with effective stress management techniques and realistic goal-setting, have been crucial in maintaining my resilience.

Reclaiming Resiliency: Empowerment Over Burden

It's important to address the concerns of marginalized communities who feel burdened by the expectation to be resilient. We need to reclaim the positive aspects of resiliency and focus on empowerment rather than unrealistic expectations.

Here are some ways we can do this:

1. Authentic Support: Organizations must provide genuine support systems that recognize and address the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups. Whether this includes training programs, support networks, flexible policies or something else, it means not just encouraging resilience but also providing the resources and support needed to achieve it.

2. Balanced Perspective: We need to promote a balanced view that acknowledges difficulties while encouraging strength and perseverance. It's about recognizing the struggle but also celebrating the triumphs.

3. Cultural Sensitivity: Building resilience should be approached with cultural sensitivity, respecting individual experiences and backgrounds. This ensures that resilience is seen as a positive and empowering trait rather than an additional burden.

Building Resiliency: Practical Steps

For organizations to build resilience, they need to implement strategies that foster adaptability and innovation:

1. Training Programs: Invest in training and development programs focused on building resilience and adaptability. These programs should equip employees with the skills needed to handle stress and navigate change effectively.

2. Support Networks: Create robust support networks within the organization to help employees navigate challenges. Mentorship programs, peer support groups, and access to mental health resources can make a significant difference.

3. Flexible Policies: Develop policies that allow for flexibility and adaptability. This includes remote work options, flexible scheduling, and other policies that support work-life balance.

On a personal level, here are some tips to cultivate resilience:

1. Self-Reflection: Regular self-reflection helps you understand your strengths and areas for growth. It allows you to learn from past experiences and apply those lessons to future challenges. I find spending time in nature where I can be quiet, listen in and sometimes journal my thoughts really helps. In the summer, I try to make it a weekly routine to start my week off at a little park near my home with just 15-20 minutes of reflection before heading into the work week frenzy that we all so often experience.

2. Stress Management Techniques: Techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and time management can help you handle stress effectively. Find what works best for you and make it a regular part of your routine. When I say time management, I do not mean finding ways to add more to your plate in the same amount of time, but rather finding ways to remove the non-essential junk we all get trapped in. Reading the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown was a huge help for me in reframing what I thought I had to do.

3. Goal Setting: Set realistic goals and develop action plans to achieve them. This helps you stay focused and motivated, even when faced with obstacles. And, in case you haven’t heard it from our team before… an accountability partner, invested advocate, or a coach are really effective in helping you reach those goals. When we share our goals with others, our odds of accomplishing them increase by 65% and when we set deadlines it jumps up to 95%!! A coach, and we have plenty on our team here at Growth By Design, can help in those areas.

Final Thoughts

Resiliency is more than just a buzzword—it's a critical trait for both individuals and organizations. By reclaiming its true meaning and focusing on empowerment, we can build a culture that not only survives but thrives in the face of challenges. So, let’s reflect on our own resilience and take proactive steps to cultivate it within ourselves and our organizations.