5 keys to unlock your inner strength this Christmas!
The holidays are almost here, and this email comes with every good wish to you and yours.
As I reflect on 2023, the word ‘Resilience’ comes to mind. Obviously, this is something we all need, and not just to get us through the festivities, along with a glass of mulled wine…
Every day we face reminders that we live in a VUCA world. It’s Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous. Not a great ‘weather report’ in these cold days, where those twinkling lights are so reassuring. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from any setback, whether personal or professional, knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I feel privileged to have walked alongside many executives this past year to develop a kind of corporate fortitude in whatever situation they find themselves. Of course, resilience is never black or white nor is it something we either have or haven’t. It is something that we can all cultivate.
For those of you old enough to remember it, I picture resilience as the ‘Readybrek glow’ that envelops us in the darkness and we never know when we are going to need it. Who knows where these keys may come in useful this Christmas…but I hope they do!
5 Keys to embrace resilience
Monitor your connections – Recognise who gives you positive energy and who doesn’t. In other words, who are the radiators and who are the drains? Manage your time with each selectively. It makes sense to spend more time with those who pep you up and less time with those who sap your energy. If you haven’t got a lot to give, then stay away from situations where you know you’ll feel depleted. When you’re feeling buoyant or in a great place, that’s the time to support others a little more.
Build your confidence – Know your strengths and establish ways to validate these. The more confident we are, the better we are at tackling complex challenges because we’re willing to have a go.
Increase your adaptability – Get comfortable with changing direction and perhaps put aside any preconceptions you might have about the need to have a concrete plan. “Blessed are the flexible for they will never be bent out of shape!”
Protect your energy – Look after yourself and your energy levels. Whether it’s kick boxing or knitting, even the busiest people need to create space to recharge; and
Embrace your purpose – Know your why! Whether it’s your ultimate purpose on this earth or the specific goals on a particular project, having sight of the end point will help you be tenacious.
Resilience, of course, as the word implies is for the long term. By following these five steps, both people and organisations can increase their wellbeing and pivot quickly to think more creatively and be more successful. Some of us will find it easier than others, so in the season of goodwill, why not also think about how you can support those around you in creating their ‘glow’ as well as protecting your own?
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year.
What do you think about resilience? I’d love to know. Contact me and let’s have a conversation.