Roadmap to Building Resilience

Here is what a participant in a business storytelling workshop said about resilience. ‘If you know you will eventually get a YES, how many NO will you be willing to take before THE YES?’ Resilience is grit! It is the ability to maintain a consistent push at a purpose. The keywords are consistent and purposeful. For example, if you keep punching on a spot. It will leave a dent over time. When we keep at a purpose consistently we will leave a dent on that target point over time. Resilience requires self-discipline because there are times when self-doubt creeps in. Self-discipline can help build the resolve to push forward. If you have your eyes set on reaching the peak of the mountain. Even when you do not get to the top, you get high enough with resilience.

While moving to Finland, an immigration officer asked me in Nigerian Pidgin English, where you dey go? ( Where are you going?) Finland, I replied. Her response was "You go hear Winn," (It will be tough) Her words are the sentiment used sarcastically in Nigeria to the spirit of optimism. She was saying to brace up, it is not going to be easy. She was right! Living in a different country other than the country of birth can present challenges. From the many achievements, the failures, to the unmet expectations, it can be like a ship battered by the waves of the storm. What are some roadmaps that can help develop resilience

Roadmaps to resilience

1. Being aligned with self

Resilience starts within. Embrace your authentic self. Disregard external perceptions and focus. Discover your passions to ignite your drive; who you are, what you like and don’t like. BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY THOSE PASSIONS. Dedication, perseverance, and commitment can help build them. Never stop pushing because you might be a step away from your goals.There are 8 billion people on Earth, so your niche can be appealing to some people. Your goal is to find those people. You are niche.Embrace your uniqueness. Be like a fish that flows with the tides of the water, rather than against it. You conserve more energy that way.

2. Listen and tell your story

Like an artist paints a beautiful portrait, storytelling paints pictures on our minds. Sharing your experiences can help to inspire people. Stories resonate, fostering support and shared experiences. Imagine coming upon a muddy road. You try to make out the way and you find footprints, you are likely to follow because someone has walked that road. When we hear the stories of people who have faced similar challenges, we learn from them. Telling your story strengthens your resolve to keep pushing. It can also be a yardstick to measure milestones.

3. Joining a community

Build connections with communities you share values with. When you surround yourself with like-minded individuals there is a spirit of collaboration. Being in a supportive community, with individuals can help you. Prepare mentally before facing the challenge. When dealing with setbacks tell yourself if you keep it together you will be okay.

In business, resilience is indispensable. A business can adapt to uncertainties, learn from setbacks, and plan forward. Organizations can build their strategies on a flexible model. Nurturing a resilient organizational culture builds the team. Share examples of individuals who have demonstrated resilience. Creating an environment where mistakes and failures are tolerated, drives growth. Design a process for capturing the stories of business resilience. The process will help everyone on the team understand how to build a resilient spirit. 

Strategies for business resilience.

1. Operate like a startup

Steve Jobs said once that the secret to Apple’s success is that it runs like a startup. Startups are adaptable. The decision making process is fast and simple. Startups can pivot and fail. Embrace changes and setbacks as learning opportunities. 

2. From risk to innovation 

Taking calculated risks can lead to new opportunities for innovation. Building on the successes is important for business to remain relevant. For example: Nokia was the biggest producer of mobile phones in the 1999s. The company’s exit from the US market, together with betting on the Symbian operating system led to the eventual demise of the company. 

3. Make examples of organizational culture

Cultivate a workplace culture that encourages risk-taking, and learning from failures. Supports team members through challenges. Resilience is not about enduring challenges; it is about pushing ahead despite them. 

My experience working with startups has taught me that, when a business is resilient, it will eventually develop its niche. For example, Sarah Blakely, the founder of Spanx was relentless amidst many rejections. Even though she got many rejections she pushed on. Spanx is worth $1.1b in 2023. Her story highlights that success often springs from the ability to be resilient despite countless "no's. because a yes might be next.

Find your niche, your passion. Put in the work needed then the result will be you can value. When you create value. Someone will be willing to pay for that value. Remember, once you have your eyes set on reaching the peak of the mountain. Even when you don’t get to the top. You will get high enough with resilience.