I recently read an article by one of my favourite writers – Jeff Haden and it really got me thinking (I love it when good writing does that!)
Now, I wholeheartedly recommend reading this article for yourself, because, in true Jeff Haden fashion it’s interesting, inspiring, informative, and a really enjoyable read. But if you’re a little more pressed for time, I’ll give you the quick rundown.
The article talks about the one question every (professionally) successful person asks him or herself.
He basically explains that we’ve all failed, been looked over for promotions, haven’t always received recognition for our unique talents, or don’t always get the great opportunities others seem to get.
But while some might revel in their bad luck, get stuck in their frustration or discouragement or even give up all together and then ask themselves: “Why me?” “Why are things so hard for me??” The other ones look around at those who have been through hardship and come back to become a greatly successful and ask themselves:
“Why not me?”
If other people can fall down and get back up, why not me?
In short, we’re talking about resilience here. Failing, and then pulling up our socks and saying to ourselves: “Okay, so things didn’t work out this time, but who’s to say they won’t work out the next?!”
This article really got me excited because not only is this a very useful and productive way to approach our professional lives, it’s also a really healthy and valuable way to go about our personal lives.
Everyone fails. Everyone struggles. Everyone has setback, feels discouraged, has been hurt or let down, or at times feels unloved, unimportant or insignificant. That’s normal.
And it’s a lie to think life is kinder to or easier for happier, healthier, and more well balanced people.They have struggles too, and not just small ones. But one of the big things that’s different about them is they tend to be a lot more resilient.
They get knocked down and they get right back up. They feel their hurt, they deal with it, they sort it out and they move on.
These people tell themselves: If other people can get through their challenges, hardships, and struggles and come out stronger and more grounded,
“Why not me?”
Rather than letting failure or hurt overcome and overwhelm, their resilience allows them to rise up from the ashes and keep moving forward.
And luckily, being resilient is not a trait only certain people are born with. Yes, it’s true, some people naturally bounce back a little easier than others, but anyone can learn to be more resilient. It’s a skill to be learned. A muscle to be built – if you will.
Just as some people have naturally more toned muscles than others, if any of us were to go to the gym and work out regularly our muscles would inevitably become stronger as well.
So if you’re asking yourself right now: “Well, I don’t think I have what it takes to become one of these so-called resilient folks.”
To that I say:
“Why not you?”
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