Build Resilience and Grit: 9 Ways to Stay in the Game By: Jackie Robinson

​You might be skilled, talented, educated, and brilliant. But, if you’re not resilient, persistent, and gritty, you’ll never maximize on those other attributes.
 
Think about the three most successful people you know. I can guarantee you they had some challenges along the way.  You may even know of them. What lead them to their success was they know how to get things done and persist past the obstacles.
 
Every female leader and business woman has to have resilience. It’s not optional. In fact, it’s one of the three essential traits SheBoss Unlimited recommends for the ambitious and goal-driven woman. Women face more barriers and obstacles when trying to achieve professional goals. They also have more personal responsibilities in their personal lives that could be barriers to optimum performance.  Therefore, being resilient enough to navigate through these circumstances is a must.
 
Is resilience and grit the missing ingredients in your quest for success?
Consider these techniques to increase your resilience and grit: 

1. Stay in contact with others. When times are tough, it’s natural to want to shut down and be alone. This is a mistake. You’re more capable with a support system. Give up the idea that strong people take on the world by themselves. You’re stronger when you have help and support. Maintain your relationships with people who are of the same mindset as you and that you trust. Beware of the negative-minded dream killers but don’t isolate yourself.
   
   
2. Intend to be resilient. It’s easier to stand strong when you mentally prepare for setbacks and expect to overcome them. Consider every challenge you have faced in your life. Did things get better? When you know better times are ahead, grit and resilience are easier to demonstrate. Focus on a positive outcome.
   
   
3. Know that the most successful people are those with the most resilience. It might be easy being wealthy and successful but becoming wealthy and successful is anything but easy. The most successful people were willing to take on challenges that the average person would avoid like the plague. They take calculated risks and don’t always play it safe. They know how to ride the waves of uncertainty all the while still determined to reach their goals, no matter what.
   
   
4. Take excellent care of yourself. No matter what is going on in your life, you still need food, rest, love, exercise, and fun. Being resilient does not mean you have to neglect yourself. If you are not well, it will hard for you to be resilient. Take good care of yourself and you will be in a better position to weather challenges.
   
   
5. Be active, not passive.  There is active ambition and passive ambition. It’s easier to last when you’re doing something to make progress and not just talking or daydreaming about it. Rather than passively waiting for things to get better, take action to improve the situation. If there is something constructive you can do, do it…..now.
   
   
6. Give yourself mental breaks. No matter how resilient you may be, take regular breaks to recharge your batteries. Some believe that you are not productive if you don’t go to be late and wake up early…..every day.  While it may be necessary to do that sometimes to get the job done, doing this too often will cause burnout and unhealthy habits. What is your favorite way to take a mental break? You could watch a movie, read a book, meditate, listen to relaxing music, or hang out with a friend. Do whatever works for you.
   
   
7. Remind yourself of why you set your goals. Your “why” is like fuel.  It helps you keep going. Every time you think about why you wanted to start a business, why you wanted to write a book, why you chose that career, or whatever your goals are, you should get motivated all over again. That internal drive should kick in and help build a resilient mindset, causing you to be determined to keep pushing. Having grit will require you to toughen up and roll with the punches.
   
   
8. Live a life that revolves around your interests. If you have a job you hate, it’s hard to have a lot of grit and resilience. It’s much easier to have perseverance while doing something you love. Read about things related to your goals, your business industry, or your career interest. Attend events and secure professional development opportunities of the same. Be intentional about what you spend your brain power on and make sure it’s spent on activities that cultivate, resilience, drive and ambition.
   
   
9. Associate with resilient people. You become more like the people you spend the most time with. Choose your friends and associates wisely. You’ll become a stronger person if you hang out with strong people. Find some people you want to be more like.

 
What could you do with your life if you were the most resilient and gritty person you knew? You’d be unstoppable!
 
Build resilience and grit into your life and enjoy greater success!

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