Given how quickly life can change, adaptability is a must — otherwise, you might just crumble.
Source: Unsplash However, it’s not just being able to physically roll with the punches that’s important. Emotional resilience is what really matters, especially since it’ll get you through some of the more difficult emotions you’re bound to experience over the years much more easily. Here are some signs you’ve got this quality/ability in spades.
1. You see the growth opportunities in every challenge.
When faced with a tough situation, you don’t immediately throw in the towel. Instead, you see it as a chance to learn something new or improve yourself. Maybe you’ve been passed over for a promotion at work. Rather than wallowing in self-pity, you ask for feedback and use it to develop your skills. Being able to find the silver lining in tough situations is what emotional resilience is all about.
2. You’re able to adapt to change quickly.
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, but you don’t let them knock you off course. Whether it’s a sudden change in plans or a major life transition, you’re able to adjust your sails and keep moving forward. You might not always like the changes, but you accept them and find ways to make the best of the new situation.
3. You have a strong support network that you’re not afraid to lean on.
Resilient people know they don’t have to go it alone. You’ve cultivated relationships with friends, family, or mentors who you can turn to when times get tough. More importantly, you’re not too proud to ask for help when you need it. You understand that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
4. You practise self-care regularly.
Source: Unsplash Taking care of yourself isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity for emotional resilience. You make time for activities that recharge your batteries, whether that’s going for a run, reading a book, or having a relaxing bath. You recognise that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so you prioritise your own wellbeing.
5. You don’t dwell on things you can’t control.
While it’s natural to feel frustrated by circumstances beyond your control, you don’t let these feelings consume you. Instead, you focus your energy on things you can influence. You might not be able to control the weather, but you can certainly control your reaction to it. This ability to let go of the uncontrollable is a key aspect of emotional resilience.
6. You’re able to keep things in perspective.
When something goes wrong, you can step back and see the bigger picture. You understand that one setback doesn’t define your entire life. If you lose your job, for example, you might be upset, but you don’t see it as the end of the world. You’re capable of reminding yourself of the good things in your life and maintain a balanced outlook.
7. You learn from your mistakes instead of beating yourself up.
Everyone messes up sometimes, but resilient people use these experiences as learning opportunities. Rather than engaging in negative self-talk or ruminating on your errors, you try to figure out what went wrong and how you can do better next time. This growth mindset helps you bounce back from failures more quickly.
8. You’re not afraid to take calculated risks.
Emotional resilience doesn’t mean avoiding all potential for failure or disappointment. In fact, you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and take risks when the potential rewards are worth it. You understand that failure is a possibility, but you don’t let that fear hold you back from pursuing your goals.
9. You have a sense of purpose or meaning in your life.
Source: Unsplash Resilient people often have a clear sense of what’s important to them. This could be a career goal, a personal mission, or simply a set of values that guide your decisions. Having this sense of purpose helps you stay motivated and focused, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks.
10. You’re able to set and maintain healthy boundaries.
Source: Unsplash You understand the importance of saying “no” when necessary and not overextending yourself. This ability to set boundaries helps prevent burnout and allows you to focus your energy on what’s truly important. It’s not always easy, but you recognise that it’s crucial for your emotional wellbeing.
11. You practise mindfulness or other stress-reduction techniques.
Source: Unsplash Resilient people often have tools to help them manage stress and anxiety. This might be meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a moment to ground yourself when things get overwhelming. These practices help you stay calm and centred, even in challenging situations.
12. You’re able to express your emotions in a healthy way.
Source: Unsplash Emotional resilience doesn’t mean suppressing your feelings. Instead, you can acknowledge and express your emotions in a constructive manner. If you’re upset, you might talk it out with a friend or write in a journal, rather than bottling it up or lashing out at people.
13. You have a growth mindset.
Source: Unsplash You believe that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. This mindset helps you view challenges as opportunities to improve, rather than threats to your self-worth. When faced with a difficult task, you’re more likely to think “I can learn to do this” than “I’m not smart enough for this”.
14. You celebrate small victories.
While it’s important to have big goals, you also recognise the value of small achievements along the way. You take time to acknowledge and celebrate these little wins, whether it’s finishing a tough project at work or sticking to a new habit for a week. This practice helps maintain your motivation and boosts your confidence in your ability to overcome challenges.
