05/17/2018
Resiliency Factors: Being connected to others. Relationships that can provide support and caring are one of the primary factors in resilience. Having a number of these relationships, both within and outside of the family, that offer love, encouragement and reassurance can build and support resilience, e.g., developing new friendships.
Being flexible. By definition, it is a key component of resilience and one of the primary factors in emotional adjustment and maturity. This requires that an individual be flexible in his thinking and his actions, e.g., trying something new.
Being able to make realistic plans and take action to carry them out. Being able to see what is, rather than what you would like is a part of this skill. Being proactive rather than reactive, assertive rather than aggressive or passive are all components of this skill, e.g., taking a Red Cross course in CPR and First Aid.
Being able to communicate well with others and problem-solve both individually and with others. This includes basic communication, listening and problem-solving skills, e.g., working as a team member within your community.
Being able to manage strong feelings. This requires being able to take action without being impulsive and responding out of emotion and being able to put emotions to the side when clear thinking and action are required. Being able to use thinking as a way of managing one's emotions is a key component of this skill, e.g., when you're angry or hurt, thinking before acting.
Being self-confident. Having a positive self-image is critical if a person is to be able to confront and manage fear and anxiety in his/her life, e.g., helping someone else.
Being able to find purpose and meaning. Being able to make sense out of what is happening and to find meaning in it is critical if one is to be able to manage the feelings that are aroused in a crisis. Spiritual and religious practices are often a component of this factor, e.g., acting on your values.
Being able to see the big picture. This factor is often closely aligned with #7 and #5. Optimists, in general, are better able to see the bigger picture than pessimists. They are more likely to see good and bad events occurring in their life being temporary rather than permanent. This, too, will pass. They are also more likely to see events having a specific impact on certain areas of their life rather than having a pervasive impact on their entire life or their future. And last, of all, they are less likely to blame themselves or someone else for the hard times. Optimists avoid the blame game, e.g., hold yourself and others accountable without the emotional dose of blame.
Being able to appreciate and use humor appropriately. Whether humor is "sick" or "dark" often depends on the setting. Laughter may have healing powers, e.g. if you're not feeling well; watch a funny movie.
Being able to take care of yourself, e.g., diet, exercise, financial "health," etc. First responders and health care professionals are often major offenders in this area. We often assume that the rules do not apply to us, but they do, e.g., make a SMART Plan for exercise. (See link to SMART Plan)
Being able to care for others physically and emotionally. Occupations and volunteer activities that involve caring for others can often build resilience, e.g., volunteer in a shelter or a food bank.
(From "Duct Tape Isn't Enough": Survival Skills for the 21st Century. Module I, pages 4 and 5)
