“A good half of the art of living is resilience.” – Alain de Botton
We all have those days where we can’t help but wonder how anyone can make it through to see tomorrow, let alone do so with a smile on their face – and yet there they are, the friend, family member or co-worker that somehow is able to handle anything that life throws at them with a grace and confidence that leaves you staring, jaw dropped, eager to learn their tricks.
Good news, while there is some element of resilience that can only be built up with experience, there are a number of different traits and qualities that you can employ in your life today to help you to live your life in a positive and empowering way. These traits provide you with the necessary strength and courage to face the challenges in life, not only surviving, but thriving.
Here are 11 characteristics of highly resilient people who always bounce back:
#1 – They Are Incredibly Self Aware
The true root of resilience is self-awareness, empowering you to acknowledge and identify the challenges in your life, your strengths and weaknesses and the best way to work through the situation effectively. They have a realistic understanding of what they are able to handle, setting reasonable expectations for themselves. In understanding their abilities, they not only know their strengths and how to use them, but they are also aware of their flaws, quirks and weaknesses. Recognizing these empowers them to discover ways to effectively work through or around them, coming out on top.
#2 – They View Life’s Struggles as a Challenge
There are two ways that one can, ultimately, approach the struggles that they face in life. On one hand, you can sit back and accept your fate as a victim, feeling as though you are doomed to face the wrath of destiny, or you can choose to see it as a challenge or an obstacle to overcome. The mindset of a fighter will, ultimately, leave you victorious.
#3 – They Maintain a Strong Sense of Purpose
One of the keys to being persistent and determined is to acknowledge that there is something to be gained on the other side of the pain before you. Those who are seen as highly resilient have a purpose or a calling in life, something that they are actively working towards. They use this purpose as the motivation that they need during the hardest of times.
#4 – They Establish Clear Boundaries
People who are recognized for being strong, resilient or independent are often flocked to by those who are looking for help in dealing with their own struggles in life. This could easily tear an individual down, but not the resilient. Establishing clear, healthy boundaries, they are able to assist others while ensuring that they are still protecting themselves and their well-being.
#5 – They Refuse to Give in to Anger
Anger can be a powerful tool to bring about change and growth, however, if you allow it to take over it can be an extremely toxic and negative force in your life. Instead, they only allow anger to enter into their lives if it is accompanied by a determination and need for action, using it as fuel to propel themselves forward.
#6 – They Accept That All Things Are Temporary
By understanding and accepting that everything that we feel and experience in life is temporary, highly resilient people are able to move through even the most challenging of times, knowing and accepting that this is nothing more than a short-lived pain. Knowing that there is an end to their struggles in the near future, they continue to power through with their eyes on the next big accomplishment or celebration (which they know is just around the corner).
#7 – They Always Find the Silver Lining
It may sound incredibly cheesy, but those who are known for their resilience are often the same people who are able to see the ‘bright side’ or ‘silver lining’ in even the most difficult of situations. Refusing to focus on the pain and negativity, instead they look for what they have to gain from the situation. For example, they may currently be going through a major struggle testing their ability to handle their emotions, however, they note that they will walk away from this as a strong person, focusing on what they have to gain from the experience.
#8 – The Accept Constructive Criticism
When provided with constructive criticism, resilient people take this as an opportunity to learn and grow. They listen intently, accepting what they are being offered, without taking it as a personal attack. From here, they actively take the time to devise a plan and plan of attack to improve upon any mistakes, errors or weaknesses, growing as an individual through the process.
#9 – They Don’t Have All the Answers
Have you ever noticed that the person who claims to know everything about everything is rarely the person who comes out on top? Those who truly succeed in life, rising above life’s struggles time and time again are the people who are willing to accept that they honestly don’t know everything, and are always in a position to learn from the people around them. They will defer to those with more knowledge, associating themselves with highly intelligent and talented people.
#10 – They Have a Support Network
Contrary to popular belief, being resilient doesn’t mean that you always face the world alone, living life as a lone ranger who needs no one at any time. Instead, those who are successfully resilient are aware that they are better off with the help and support of others, choosing to surround themselves with positive, strong and motivated individuals. Should they reach a time where they being to question themselves, they know that this support network will always be there for them.
#11 – They Prioritize Self Care
This journey in life can be a long one, complete with many struggles, difficulties, challenges and obstacles. It’s unrealistic to think that we can go through life avoiding the hard times, however, we can take steps to care for ourselves and empower ourselves to better handle these challenges. Prioritizing your overall well-being, including body, mind and soul, should be a priority. This may include taking a nap on a draining day, running yourself a hot bath, curling up with a good book or any other activity that focuses specifically on caring for your own health in any of these areas.