Life can feel like a game of dodgeball at times – sometimes you are in control, scoring points, taking out opponents and winning. Other times, it feels like the “balls” just keep coming and no matter how fast you run, duck, or throw, they just don’t stop! One of the keys to playing this game called life is resilience.
A resilient person understands that major setbacks don’t necessarily mean failure and accepts that the situation has changed, it is time to pivot, consider alternatives and/or pursue other options.
Resilience – What is it?
To paraphrase Nietzsche, “what doesn’t kill us, makes us…” resilient. The word itself connotes strength and adaptability even if the situation feels like it is bringing one to their knees.
Picture this- someone who has been knocked down but gets back up on their feet, dusts themselves off, and adapts to their new situation. (As an avid horse lover and equestrian, I have had the occasion to literally brush myself off before climbing back into the saddle).
Someone recently told me that I was resilient, based on several recent events things that I have faced both personally and professionally. The irony is that I have dealt with adversity throughout my life by facing it head on. There have been occasions where I needed a moment to take a breath, rest and reset, but I never gave up, accepted the outcome and marched on. As my sister would say, “keep on keeping on because what else is one going to do- giving up is not an option.” Basically – I don’t know any other way!
Strength, flexibility, adaptability, and resolve are essential traits to embrace in life — as they also bring a lot of growth. Even trees in a hurricane, while rooted in the dirt, bend with the power of the wind, to survive. In the workplace, if an organization and/or its leadership do not adjust adapt to what is happening in the marketplace, they may not survive.
Surprise – time to be resilient!
Look at all the upheaval that Covid has caused over the last two years; suddenly, life is now even more unpredictable and volatile.
I speak from experience – on two different occasions at two different organizations, (pre-Covid), both positions were eliminated before the one year mark. This, after being recognized with positive feedback and bonuses and raises.
In both cases, this was after I had restructured the entire department, hired staff, developed strategic and comprehensive marketing, PR, digital and social media programs. Additionally, both organization’s websites needed complete overhauls from structure to content – which I had begun. Very long days, weekends, and some holidays were dedicated to rebuilding, restructuring, and launching new communications programs with the purpose of helping the organization grow and succeed.
Needless to say, it was absolutely a shock to learn that the position was eliminated for reasons beyond my control. Heartbreaking was an understatement!
Adjusting
However, I licked my wounds, came to understand that for whatever reason those decisions were made, it was not the right place for me.
So, I took some time, did some freelance work, assisted a professor with his classes and students at SMU in the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs division, and changed with the times. I learned so much from the program, the professor and particularly with the students. (Many who are now friends and in the professional world beginning their careers – it is an absolute joy to watch them succeed!)
Bouncing Back and Growing
One of the traits of being resilient is the ability to bounce back.
As a result of this career detour, I changed my management style, found my love for learning again, and began pursing opportunities in a field that I am very passionate about- hotels, hospitality and travel and tourism. This industry took an enormous hit from Covid and I believe that my expertise and knowledge can help in the rebuilding efforts, even in a small way. (Currently interviewing and pursuing opportunities- stay tuned).
In the meantime, I am continuing to educate myself on trends, technology, marketing, social media, communication, as well as a wide array of other interests including writing. I am even studying for a certification in social media through the National Institute of Social Media. (NISM).
In addition, considering new opportunities where my account management, business development, strategic marketing communications and event planning skillsets might be a good fit.
So a piece of advice, if someone tells you that you are resilient, accept it as a fabulous compliment and embrace the growth.