There are some people who freeze under pressure or sink into a deep depression after a setback…
… and then there are those who bounce back even stronger than before.
A person who is resilient can maintain their cool – even when others around them are stressed out or crippled by pressure.
As Better Change Project reports:
If you’re looking to become more resilient – one of the best things you can do is experience something new.
Here’s how new experiences can alter your brain.
They Keep Your Brain Sharp
When you do the same thing every single day without change, your brain gets used to a pattern.
It’s as if you can do your daily tasks almost on autopilot.
There’s no challenge – and life can become almost predictable.
But when you experience something new, whether it’s something as small as sampling food from a different culture, or something bigger like actually living overseas for a period of time, your brain is forced to adapt.
Being thrust into a different environment causes your 5 senses to work in a different way to make sense of what is happening.
The sights are new, the tastes are different, even the sounds!
Soaking in all of these things and processing them keeps your brain sharp.
You Might Fail
And often times when we try something new – we fail – but that is okay!
One of the greatest learning abilities we have is to learn from our mistakes.
You might pick up a new hobby like skiing, only to find out you are not good at it and have no coordination!
But it’s what you do when you fail that matters.
If you pack up your equipment and go home, refusing to try again, you’ve given into the failure.
Instead, if you stand up and try again, and again, you’ll become more resilient.
It Gives You Courage
Many people are afraid to try new things.
But as you put yourself out there and welcome new experiences into your life, you strengthen your ability to withstand criticism.
If you are afraid of speaking in front of a crowd, but force yourself to get up there and talk, you are building resilience.
Or if you volunteer to take on a new challenge or a project, you are putting yourself out there – knowing that you could fail but you’ll try anyway.
Building resilience will help you succeed in all areas of your life.
Resilience Is Not Abuse
One thing to note is resilience is not staying in toxic situations or taking abuse just to prove how “tough” you are.
Setting healthy boundaries is still important, and you should never tolerate an abusive person in your life.
But getting out there in life and experiencing this great big world, all it’s challenges and opportunities will help build your resistance and make you stronger.
Do you think you are resilient?
If not, what are some ways you can work to become more resilient?
Be sure to share this article with your family and friends!