What Doesn’t Kill You..

I was at the gym the other day, hyper-focused on all the little aches and pains going on in my body, when I caught a glimpse of a guy I had never seen before.  He was working out hard, with fierce focus and determination.  And, furthermore, the dude was jacked.  It was only after a few seconds later that I noticed his prosthetic leg – and I thought to myself, if this guy can be so focused and use his body so effectively, there should be nothing holding me back from having a decent workout.  “Stop being such a whiny little baby,” was my next thought.

When I am having a my own little pity party, I often look for inspiration from the people in my life who I know are dealing with their own struggles,  often significantly greater than my own.  I become curious about how they have  found ways to cope, or manage, or to find meaning and a purpose to their challenges.   That inspiration fuels me forward.  

Is it gratitude, their families, their sense of purpose – what is it that keeps them going, even in the face of challenges?

The  theme of my content for this month is resilience: the ability to successfully adapt to stressors, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity.   Whether it is in business, or in other aspects of our life, to be resilient is an important strength to develop.  

This being Pride Month also seems the perfect time to celebrate resilience.  I reflect on the strength of my own LGBTQIA community, who against adversity, continues to push forward, call for change, and fight for their rights,  which are always at risk. 

In business, resilience is required.  Every business owner and leader, myself included, deals with setbacks all the time – cashflow issues, losing clients or employees, a challenging economy.  In those times, we can either run away, or we can double down on our commitment to our business, to ask for help and support, or call upon our own inner resources and strengths,

Over the past two years, I’ve lost both my parents, developed a chronic pain issue, lost my best canine friend, and experienced a set of life challenges associated with moving to a new state.  These circumstances have tested my resilience – and I am happy to say that it has made me stronger.  I am more committed to my work than ever – to help speakers use their voices to change the world, and to coach leaders to be the best they can be.

What are some of the ways in which you are developing your own Resilience?  I’d love to know.