I used to think of resilience as something some people just naturally have... or not—those people who seem to handle anything life throws at them without missing a beat have an amazing gift. But I’m learning resilience isn’t about being unshakeable all the time. Instead, it’s about everyday choices that help us feel stronger, manage stress, and stay grounded.
With all the changes and challenges life has thrown my way, I’ve been focusing on small ways to build resilience and well-being. Resilience isn’t about doing everything “right”; it’s about taking simple, steady steps to protect our energy, connect with others, and keep some perspective. It is something we can build... one small step at a time. Here are some ways I’m learning to strengthen my own resilience, and how you can, too.
1. Making Room for Small Wins
When life feels overwhelming, it’s tempting to think big—to try to overhaul everything at once. But that’s exhausting. I’m realizing that resilience comes from setting small, manageable goals that offer a sense of accomplishment, like organizing one drawer or making a healthy meal.
These small wins remind me that, even on hectic days, I’m making progress toward a balanced and resilient lifestyle.
▪︎ Challenges to Expect: It can be hard to appreciate small wins when big tasks are looming. You might feel like these little things don’t make a difference, especially on days when you’re tired or stressed.
▪︎ Tips for Getting Started: Pick one task that feels easy and achievable, and celebrate it when it’s done. Even if it’s as simple as making your bed or taking a few minutes to stretch, recognize it as a step toward progress. Small wins can create momentum when everything else feels like a lot.
2. Practicing Mindfulness to Ground Myself in the Present
Mindfulness is a buzzword, but even brief moments of mindfulness can help with stress management. For me, it’s as simple as pausing for a few deep breaths, noticing the sounds around me, or savoring a cup of tea. These small pauses help me reset, keeping me grounded and calm in moments that might otherwise feel overwhelming.
▪︎ Challenges to Expect: Mindfulness can feel awkward or even silly at first, especially if your mind is racing. It might be hard to slow down, and you might feel impatient or like you’re not “doing it right.”
▪︎ Tips for Getting Started: Start with just 2-3 deep breaths or a simple observation exercise, like noticing the colors in your environment. Over time, these small, mindful moments become easier and can help ground you in the present, especially during stressful times.
3. Staying Connected with Others for a Supportive Network
Resilience doesn’t have to be a solo act. Checking in with friends or family, even if it’s just a quick text or call, reminds me I’m not alone. Connection doesn’t always mean deep conversations—it’s sometimes about sharing a laugh or a simple update with someone who understands.
When life gets busy, staying in touch, even in small ways, is one of the simplest ways to boost resilience.
▪︎ Challenges to Expect: When life gets busy or overwhelming, staying in touch can feel like another overwhelming task to check off. You might also worry about burdening others with your challenges.
▪︎ Tips for Getting Started: Reach out to one person and keep it simple—a quick text or a funny meme can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be a long conversation, just a small reminder of your support network. Resilience often comes from knowing you’re not in it alone.
4. Practicing Self-Compassion When Things Get Tough
If something doesn’t go as planned, it’s easy for me to slip into self-criticism. But I’m learning that resilience means practicing self-compassion. Some days, that might mean letting go of unrealistic expectations and reminding myself, “I’m doing the best I can.” No one else expects me to be Super Woman, I shouldn't expect that of myself.
Being kind to myself helps me build resilience on those days when life feels a little harder to handle.
▪︎ Challenges to Expect: Self-compassion can feel awkward or “soft” if you’re used to being hard on yourself. You might worry about not holding yourself to a high standard. (Fellow Perfectionists, take note!)
▪︎ Tips for Getting Started: Talk to yourself as you would to a friend. When you catch yourself being self-critical, pause and ask, “Would I say this to someone I care about?” This simple shift helps build self-kindness, which is a huge part of resilience.
5. Reflecting on Growth and Progress Daily
One grounding practice that’s been helpful is a short daily reflection. It’s not something I “have to” do, but when I can, I jot down one thing that went well and one small lesson I learned. Even on the hardest days, there’s usually a small victory or moment of growth hidden in there.
Reflecting helps keep everything in perspective, reminding me that resilience is a journey of small steps forward.
▪︎ Challenges to Expect: When things are tough, it can be hard to find positives, and this practice can feel like a chore. You might also struggle to see daily changes when big challenges are ongoing.
▪︎ Tips for Getting Started: At the end of the day, jot down one positive or lesson you noticed—even if it’s small, like “I handled that conversation calmly.” These small reflections help create a sense of progress, even when the journey is slow.
Want a quick, easy guide to help you build resilience each day?
I’ve put together a Daily Resilience Checklist you can download it after clicking here. It’s filled with small, doable actions that have helped me stay grounded, connected, and more resilient over time.
Resilience doesn’t have to be a big, dramatic shift. It’s more about simple habits to manage stress, stay connected, and find peace in the little things. If any of these ideas resonate, I’d love to hear what works for you—and remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
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