Have you ever wondered how some people seem to manage with whatever life throws at them? Though you find yourself struggling with the smallest things?
Building resilience is a great life skill to have, with practice, mindfulness and patience you too can be just as resilient, assisting you to see things often in a slightly different light and more so, a calmer approach to see what is realistic without over pressurising yourself too.
7 simple steps to a more resilient you:
Step 1: Understand and clarify your goals and aims
Understanding why you want to achieve your goals, is it something you want to do or is it for someone else?
Motivation and commitment are two different feelings, motivation can come and go though commitment will stay much longer especially when identifying your reasons for your goal first.
For example, if your goal is to reduce your alcohol consumption, the reason maybe to feel more energised, less tired, to feel healthier, or it may be in conjunction with the benefit of saving money too. Setting a goal for yourself and committing to it, will take you another step closer to achieving it.
Step 2: Take care of yourself first
Regular exercise, a good sleeping pattern and eating well is proven to assist thinking and your outward approach. One of many studies was undertaken by the University of British Columbia.
Step 3: Set realistic goals
When setting yourself steps and goals, be kind to yourself by setting yourself up to succeed and not fail.
Often we set ourselves goals that are way too high, leading to become quickly despondent and less motivated.
Rather than setting a goal that may be too high or ambitious, break the goal down into sizeable chunks.
For example, if your goal is to run a marathon and you are yet to run a 5k, start at the 5k first and work up from there, 10k, 15k, etc.
Step 4: Just breathe, take time out
Don’t be afraid to take a break, for example if you have decided to study and complete a course, you may plan to study in the week and not the weekends.
Equally, if you plan to exercise more, make it specific first, then plan in rest days and time off to reflect to ensure your goals are not over consuming.
Step 5: Write a journal, how are you feeling and why?
So often we hear of the power of writing journals, be it physically writing in your favourite notebook or entering your thoughts into an electronic device.
Recording your thoughts is a great tool in many ways, and as studies show, journaling not only removes mental clutter that can often go round and round in our heads, it supports mental clarity too. Focus becomes clearer and problem solving often becomes much easier.
Step 6: Recognise the good things
Focus on what you have achieved, not what you haven’t, celebrate your wins all the way.
Step 7: Feel the support around you
Share your goals with people, people who understand and will be your cheer leader all the way, and keep you on track when you drift. Recognising you’re not alone will keep you on track by remembering your ‘why’.
Every step be it small, is always a step closer.
