Make Resilience a Habit
Resilience often feels like an elusive trait—something we either have or we don’t. But what if resilience isn’t a personality trait or a lucky happenstance? What if it’s a skill we can build and nurture, just like any other professional competency?
In my recent conversation with Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier, author of The Resilience Plan, we dove into resilience from a strategic perspective. Here’s what I took away, and what I believe will transform how you think about and build resilience in your own life.
Listen to the full episode on the Conscious Habit podcast
Resilience Is Not a Personality Trait
Many of us walk around assuming resilience is an inborn strength—either you have it, or you don’t. But that’s simply not true. Just like any other skill, resilience can be developed and strengthened over time.
When we treat resilience as a muscle that can be trained rather than a personality trait, it empowers us to take actionable steps toward building that muscle. So let’s let go of the idea that resilience is a fixed quality and start to think about it as something we can grow through intentional, strategic effort.
Even Positive Demands Are Still Demands
This one hit me hard. I’ve often found myself filling my calendar with demands I enjoy, thinking it would counterbalance any burnout or stress. But here’s the kicker: positive demands, such as taking on an exciting project or setting time aside for meaningful relationships, are still demands on our energy.
Just because we like them doesn’t mean they don’t deplete us. Recognizing this allows us to better manage our energy and prevent the slow creep of burnout, even when we’re engaging in things we love.
The Power of a Personal SWOT Analysis
When we think about resilience strategically, we must assess our reality, strengths, and limitations.
Dr. Pelletier uses a SWOT analysis—commonly applied to business strategies—as a personal tool for evaluating resilience. This involves honestly assessing our internal and external resources and demands.
Only by acknowledging where we are and what we can handle can we effectively prioritize the right actions.
Start Small: Baby Steps Make Big Impacts
I can’t stress this enough: giant leaps aren’t always sustainable. Starting small, with achievable actions that align with our core values, is key. Dr. Pelletier calls this building “self-efficacy”—the confidence that we can take control and influence our lives.
When we set and achieve small goals, we strengthen our belief in our ability to meet challenges head-on. If you’re looking to build resilience, start with one small action that supports a value of yours and make it a habit.
Resilience is built with intention, not by chance. By challenging ourselves to view resilience as a skill rather than a fixed trait, recognizing the demands we place on our energy, and taking small, value-driven steps, we can design a life that allows us not just to cope but to thrive.
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Meet Amy Woodall
Amy, founder of Conscious Habit, is a human behavior expert, mindfulness practitioner, and high-performance coach with nearly 20 years of experience. Through her podcast, keynote speaking, and sold-out High Vibe Tribe retreats, she empowers individuals and teams to lead happier, more conscious lives. Amy’s mission is to blend personal growth with professional success, inspiring others to live from the inside out.