In the session we considered the inspirational stories of famous people that had to dig deep to succeed in the field they knew in their gut was right for them…
We’ve also included a link to some Strengths cards for you here.
The 6 Domains of Resilience
Vision
Vision is about your sense of purpose, goals, and personal vision for yourself. If you are clear about what you want you can be decisive when facing tough choices, and maintain perspective when facing challenges. Whether your goals relate to family, to work, or a side project, what’s important is being specific and clear.
Composure
Composure is about regulating emotions. The fight-or-flight response of the brain loves to flare up when facing conflict or hearing about a sudden change. Being able to overcome that instinctive emotional response and maintain your composure will give you an advantage – becoming emotional prevents you from properly accessing your ability to think critically. Try not to sweat the small stuff and save your energy for what is important.
Reasoning
Reasoning needs Composure for you to keep your cool, as well as Vision so you know what goals to direct your actions toward. Anticipate and plan. Be resourceful. Having the right information, tools, techniques and people available to you will help you solve problems more effectively and find more efficient ways to reach your goals.
Tenacity
Einstein said, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer”. In a globalised world, success is no longer a given. We need to be willing to work hard and smart and stay with a problem if we hope to achieve something, especially if you want to achieve something that no one else has. Learn from mistakes.
Collaboration
We fundamentally need connection with others to be able to thrive. The brain has dedicated neural structures to recognise facial expressions, while mirror neurons fire within the brain to help us empathise with others. Supporting others and allowing yourself to be supported will boost resilience.
Health
Good health means looking after your body through what you eat, doing exercise, and getting quality sleep. A healthy body provides a strong foundation for your own resilience so you can focus on your sense of purpose and goals. Good health is not the ultimate goal in itself, but instead is an enabler to achieve your larger personal vision.
Why do we use palm trees on our icon for this session?
Many palm trees were still standing after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that affected Thailand and other countries in the region. Palm trees are able to bend and sway in high winds and storm surges – which may have helped them to absorb some of the impact of the tsunami waves – because of their flexible trunks and root systems
The palm tree has a different root system than other tall trees. They don’t have a taproot; instead, their roots circulate horizontally near the base of the tree, in a way where several narrow roots extend outwards and circulate in the soil rather than growing downward.
Their roots are interconnected with others and the same is true of us as humans at our most resilient. One of the most resilient things you can do is ask for help.
