The working world can sometimes present challenging situations and obstacles. One of the most important aspects of success in business is the ability to overcome these stressful situations and make the best of tough experience. By doing so, you grow as a person and can even better your career. But how exactly does one develop professional resilience, especially when your job is on the line? Here are three ways to become resilient and make sure you keep moving forward, even when it feels impossible to do so.
Socialize and Support
A Gallup poll revealed that individuals with best friends at work tend to do better and have more positive working experiences. While it may not be realistic to have your very best pals in the office with you, developing a social support system can help to increase feelings of resilience and make the workday overall more enjoyable. This might be as simple as chatting with your desk mates or gathering around the water cooler. However, getting involved in the office culture may be an even better chance to socialize. Some examples are:
- Volunteer on committees
- Schedule group lunches
- Start a book club
- Do something nice, such as bring in coffees for your coworkers
Avoid Spiraling and Catastrophizing
So much of resilience comes from your emotional reaction to a given situation. If there are rumblings of big changes at your company or possible layoffs, it’s easy to start worrying early. However, you still have control at this very moment. As opposed to jumping to the worst possible scenario such as being fired, give yourself a mental break. There is nothing to be gained from worry before there’s any reason to fret. You may also consider speaking directly to your manager or supervisor. Express your concerns and find out what information they may have. Although sudden changes are just that – sudden – that doesn’t mean they won’t be able to put your mind at ease during a stressful time.
Practice Mindfulness
Though it may sound like a new-age buzzword, mindfulness has come to be known as a powerful technique both in the personal realm as well as in the office. At work, the practice of mindfulness means focusing on the present instead of worrying about past mistakes or future anxieties. It also means interacting with those around you without judgment or negative feelings. A study performed by the University of British Columbia showed that this practice can not only improve performance but can also cut down on interpersonal conflicts and miscommunications.
In order to engage in mindfulness, consider the process much like meditation. Find a quiet space throughout the day to sit and be comfortable. Try to focus on your breath and your body. Take note of how you’re sitting or your body’s positioning. Think about how you’re feeling at that moment, without any concern over the work left at your desk, or the upcoming staff meeting. Doing this consistently throughout a workday can improve your overall mood and make you more resilient should negative experiences arise.
Resilience is an incredibly valuable trait, but practicing it or bettering yourself can take time. Don’t beat yourself up if you find that you’re stressing throughout the day; instead, use it as motivation to approach these obstacles in a positive and proactive manner. By engaging with others at work, using negative feedback as an opportunity, journaling your thoughts, and practicing mindfulness, you can be well on your way to improving your career and becoming more resilient.
