Many of us work in constantly connected, ‘always-on’, highly demanding positions where stress and the risk of burnout are common. Add to that the changes of an upcoming administration and it can seem like it’s almost too much to deal with. Since the pace and intensity of our work culture aren’t likely to change anytime soon, it’s more important than ever to build resilience skills to navigate work life. As we discussed in our previous article, resilience is the ability to ‘bounce back’ from challenges and adversity. It can have a major impact on your stress level, mental well-being and overall job satisfaction.

The good news: resilience is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. The key is to get started! Here are 7 effective strategies to help foster a positive mindset, manage stress and ultimately develop more resilience:

• Make your health a priority. A study from NIH found that people are 3.5 times more likely to be resilient when in good physical health. Prioritizing sleep, exercise and proper nutrition is essential, particularly during times of change. Physical health supports resilience and resilience also leads to better physical recovery.
• Develop a daily routine. Developing consistent habits, no matter how small, can help you make meaningful progress. Build some coping mechanism exercises into your routine, such as breathing and relaxation exercises and a mindfulness practice to better deal with stressful situations.
• Focus on what you can control: Discerning what you can and can’t control keeps you positive and motivated. It’s also important to not ruminate on the past and focus on what lies ahead.
• Don’t focus on your weaknesses. Focusing on your strengths helps you grow much faster than trying to improve your weaknesses. As hard as it is, try to see failure as an opportunity. With the right mindset, it can actually be a catalyst for growth.
• Build a support network. Connect with co-workers, mentors or friends who can offer encouragement and advice during challenging times.
• Don’t dwell in self-pity. We all know firsthand that life can be hard, but dwelling on our circumstances keeps us from emerging from them and moving forward.
• Don’t compare yourself to others. Define your own version of success that has nothing to do with others’ strengths and accomplishments.

Resilience is not just about surviving, but thriving in the face of adversity. And it can be your secret weapon for success. Leah M Joppy and Associates is ready to make 2025 the year you enhance your resiliency skills and face changes and challenges with confidence. Our course, Managing “What’s Next”, includes a resilience assessment and offers feedback about resiliency levels in 3 key areas: Challenge, Control and Commitment. This course will help participants identify strategies to increase their resilience and help manage the uncertainty of “what’s next.”