Reframe for Resilience

There are many moments in our lives when we are faced with a challenge or obstacle that completely changes our trajectory. Making plans, working hard, and solving problems are all important, but sometimes things happen that can derail us. 

For athletes, an injury can mean an early end to a professional career. For students, wrong answers can eliminate college options. For everyone, sudden change is out of our control, but how we respond to those changes is entirely up to us. We can begin to reframe and redirect when these inevitable moments come to pass and can find our resiliency to move forward. 

When we face a problem, it is important to fully understand the situation. A quick Google search will reveal that the critical first step to addressing a setback is taking stock of one’s emotions and gaining perspective on the event. Ruminating on mistakes and challenges comes naturally to many of us. But getting stuck in paralysis by analysis won’t help in moments of distress, so analysis and evaluation of the circumstances, feelings related to the incident, and other connected thoughts are important.

It’s also helpful to channel these emotions, and journaling is a great strategy at this point of the process. Plus, getting creative and expressing feelings of disappointment through art can be a beneficial way to access abstract feelings. Finally, exercising, if possible, is another option to channel feelings into productive action. 

After we gain a better understanding of a setback and our feelings surrounding it, the process of taking action to move forward can begin. This can seem incredibly daunting at first, especially if the challenge is a physical one. For some, this can look like beginning physical or talk therapy. For others, who might be dealing with creative blocks, or for students handling discouraging feedback, this process might include an action plan. 

Similar to journaling, writing a step-by-step approach for how to overcome a challenge is a good way to hold oneself accountable and set achievable goals. Checking off steps on a to-do list can create a chain of small victories that help build confidence and resiliency. However, with creative problems, sometimes a chronological solution isn’t the answer. For creative blocks, some experts recommend returning to the basics of one’s art form, similar to taking that first small step on the to-do list. If finding new inspiration is a struggle, engaging in mindfulness and stepping out of one’s comfort zone is a great place to begin. 

Finally, when we find ourselves achieving the small steps of an action plan or fully putting the challenge in the rearview mirror, it is important to celebrate and reflect. Overcoming setbacks, both major and minor, is no easy feat. Every step toward resiliency is worth a pat on the back, and making it to the finish line deserves reflection. 
It is likely that you will have come out of this challenge a more confident, resilient person, and the strategies you employ to get there should be remembered. To learn more about the importance of resilience, listen to the latest episode of Tripod, “Dodgers to Damascus: Resiliency and Reconnecting.”

By Lily Brennan