2023. It’s been a challenge.
Every year challenges us, some shared, some unique, challenges none the less.
This year though, has been the most challenging for me.
In bitter sweet irony, considering I’m researching for a PhD in Resilience, 2023 has tested my own & exhausted it, but more on that later.
To set context, in March, my Dad Graham, was diagnosed with prostrate cancer, assigned a treatment regime &
Many of us, when we break something, tend to see that item as no good anymore and will probably throw it away.
The Japanese though, have a tradition that when a piece of pottery is broken, they repair it using a lacquer mixed with gold. Known as Kintsugi, or Golden Joinery, a 400 year old tradition, people will repair the damage, creating an even stronger and more beautiful piece.
It’s worth remembering that when we break something,
My Dad’s a straight talking, no nonsense engineer. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out his parenting style.
When I got my first car, a bit of advice, well not so much advice, more instruction, was never let the fuel light come on. If it’s on, means crap in the tank is now being pumped around the system, impacting performance.
That ‘advice’ makes me think about how many times we let our light come on.
I read a research paper recently that aimed to look at the relationship between happiness & resilience.
It set out to test the theory that the happier you are, the more resilient you are & the more resilient you are, the happier you are.
Made sense to me, sounds absolutely common sense. But I was a bit surprised to find out the results & I think they will be a great help to you,
Things just don’t seem to be improving, it’s tough for so many reasons for so many people. We are tapping into our inner resources so much & we’re all aware of the word resilience even more so than before. So what is resilience?
Well there’s so many different definitions & contexts, so for this let’s go with;
“leaning into yourself or others during times of difficulty so that you can become stronger”
Success directly impacts the way we feel about ourselves. As leaders we are often expected to bring in huge, strategic, long term goals which take time and success can be a while off, impacting the view you have of yourself. So, try these;
Look out for quick wins.
Do things that you like to do.
Set small, achievable goals.
Do one thing at a time to completion.
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I’m not normally the type of person who go’s around quoting Latin. I’d like to say because I’m not egotistical and looking to impress with my knowledge of the classics, but the real reason is, I don’t know any.
Well that’s not exactly true, I remember one phrase vividly. Deo fidelis et patria. This was the motto of my school and was drilled into us every day. Those who went to a Catholic secondary in the 80’s will know exactly what I mean!
