Think of resilience as your emotional 'bounce-back' ability. It’s not about avoiding life's challenges, but about how well you recover and move forward when they happen.

The great news is that resilience isn't a fixed trait you're either born with or without—it's a skill you can build over time. Like a muscle, it gets stronger with practice. Developing resilience means learning to manage your thoughts and emotions in a way that helps you overcome adversity and come back even stronger.

According to Genie Joseph, M.F.A., adjunct professor at Chaminade University in Hawaii, and the creator of the Act Resilient program, there are three basic types of resilience.

Click on each card to expand

This is the resilience you are born with that comes naturally. An example is in young children, under the age of seven who typically have an abundant and inspiring approach to life.

This occurs when challenging circumstances force you to learn and change and adapt.

This is learned resilience. You can learn techniques that build resilience and as a result, restore the natural resilience you had as a child.

We all have the capability to learn resilience...

So Why Build Your Resilience?

Building resilience gives you the strength to handle not just major life events, but everyday stressors as well. It’s a proactive way to support your mental wellbeing, helping you navigate challenges without feeling overwhelmed. Think of it as creating your personal toolkit for life's ups and downs.

So, what does building resilience look like in practice? It’s not about ignoring your emotions or 'toughing it out.' It’s about learning to:

Acknowledge your feelings: Allowing yourself to feel what you feel without judgment.

Practice self-kindness: Treating yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend.

Develop coping strategies: Finding healthy ways to bounce back after a tough time.

This video can help you on your journey to resilience.

Grit Mindset