Resilience is one of the most important characteristics for a person to have. It doesn’t come easy, but there are some key characteristics that all resilient people share.
Resiliency has been studied in many different fields, but what are some of the common traits seen across these studies? Here are 10 characteristics of resilient people.
1. Resilient people are flexible and adaptable to change
When a resilient person is met with an obstacle, they’re able to adapt and adjust quickly without letting those changes derail them. Resilient people are comfortable going along with the flow of things and don’t resist change, but rather invite it in.
Whether it’s adapting to a sudden change of plans, changing jobs, or moving cities, resilient people have the flexibility and ability to cope well with change.
2. They don’t give up easily
Resilient people don’t let obstacles or failure stand in the way of accomplishing their goals. If something isn’t working, they work to find new solutions or seek support from others to get the job done.
Resilient people are the ones most likely to get back on the horse no matter how many times they fall off.
3. They have a sense of humor, which helps them see the bright side of life
Having a positive outlook on life is one of the characteristics that a resilient person possesses.
They don’t take themselves too seriously, and their ability to be flexible means they don’t get too worked up when things don’t go as expected. Resilient people would rather laugh off an inconvenience than getting upset over it.
4. They find joy in small things
Resilient people find joy in everyday life, even when things seem a little bit dark. They find joy in simple pleasures like spending time with a pet, acknowledging their achievements, and by choosing to be grateful.
They understand that joy is more profound than fleeting moments of happiness, and they seek to cultivate a life filled with it.
5. They don’t dwell on what they can’t control – instead, they focus on what they can do to make themselves happy
Resilient people understand that they can’t control other people or external circumstances so, they look within to figure out how they can change their situation.
They recognize that they have full control over their behaviors and emotional reactions and that if they’re not happy in their life, they have the power to make the changes necessary.
6. They’re grateful for all that they have in life, even if it’s not perfect
Resilient people focus on the good in their life. Most of our lives aren’t perfect however, choosing to focus on the positives and the things we’re grateful for, helps us maintain an optimistic outlook on life.
A practice of gratitude is cultivated over time by intentionally choosing to make it a habit.
7. They use healthy coping strategies for stress management
Resilient people have strategies in place to help them cope with stress.
Whether it’s meditating, journaling, going for a run, or taking a bath to unwind, a resilient person is emotionally intelligent and recognizes when they’ve hit a wall and need time to themselves to practice self-care and regroup.
8. They seek the support of others when going through tough times
A resilient person knows that sometimes they can’t go at it alone. They see the value of having a support system and seek those people out in times of doubt or need.
Reaching out to a friend, or loved one, and articulating what they’re feeling helps them gain perspective on their situation. They’re also open to considering the advice of others when it’s invited.
9. They don’t live in the past instead, they stay focused on the present
Resilient people have made peace with their past and understand what’s done is done, and there are no do-overs.
They acknowledge past mistakes or regrets and find ways to do better moving forward while understanding that the only timeline they have control over is the present one.
10. Resilient people seek out creative solutions that help them overcome whatever is holding them back
They’re not only able to identify what behaviors, beliefs, or external factors may be holding them back from achieving their goals but, they seek out ways to work on themselves by taking a creative approach to personal growth.
Resilient people are willing to do the inner work needed to unlock their full potential.
Final Thoughts
As we continue to work on our personal growth, it’s vital to recognize how valuable of a skill resilience is. Resilience is the inner strength we develop with time and experience. Resilience is the f confidence we have in ourselves, trusting that we can get through any obstacle that gets thrown our way.
If any of these characteristics of resilient people resonated with you, we encourage you to reflect on them further and consider how you can incorporate these traits into your life to build up your resilience