Tag Archives: Resilience

Arts, Health, Psychology

Resilience: What’s Your Explanation?

EXPLANATORY STYLE

THE way you explain life’s setbacks to yourself is important. Psychologists say that an optimistic (and therefore more resilient) “explanatory style” is composed of three main elements.

Firstly, optimistic people view the effects of bad events as being temporary rather than permanent. Secondly, resilient people do not let setbacks affect unrelated areas of their life. Finally, resilient people do not blame themselves when bad events occur. They see other people or circumstances as being the cause.

People with an optimistic explanatory style tend to be happier, healthier, and more successful. Those with a pessimistic explanatory style are more prone to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

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Arts, Health, Psychology

Resilience: ‘Find Your Calling’

SENSE OF PURPOSE

A sense of purpose can enable us to overcome challenges which might otherwise overwhelm us. It can give us the determination to keep going, despite discomfort. This is best summed up by a quote from the philosopher Nietzsche: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” To find your purpose, identify what you’re drawn to. Which moments make you feel authentic, as if you are doing something you were truly made for?

Perhaps you have experienced this feeling when organising or being involved in a charity event, nursing a sick animal, or creating a work of art. You may have also experienced “flow”, which is a state in which you are so immersed in what you’re doing that time seems to disappear. Look at what gives your life meaning and trust what your heart tells you. A strong sense of purpose will fill you with motivation and enthusiasm and help you to transcend the ups and downs of life.

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Arts, Health, Psychology

Resilience: Focus on Your Strengths

EMBRACING YOUR STRENGTHS

MANY people base their self-worth on external factors such as what others think of them or what job they do. As a result, their confidence is extremely unstable – an “off” remark or by having a bad day can cause their self-esteem to plummet. The key to resilience is to base your sense of self-worth on who you authentically are.

One way of doing this is to identify and focus on your unique strengths. Think of a time when you did something you were proud of. Now think about the strengths, skills, and talents you used to make this happen.

These are your signature strengths. Know that you carry these with you wherever you go. You can deploy these strengths whenever you are faced with a challenge, such as moving home, starting a new relationship or changing career. Embracing your strengths will give you confidence in your ability to handle any challenge that comes your way.

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