Resilience – it’s a trait we all aspire to have, isn’t it? That ability to bounce back from adversity, to keep going no matter what life throws at us.

You might be wondering, what’s the secret? What do these highly resilient people do differently?

Psychology has some answers for us.

It turns out, individuals with high resilience almost always display certain habits that help them navigate through life’s challenges.

In this article, we’ll delve into these habits common among highly resilient folks.

And who knows? Maybe they’re not so different from you and me. Maybe we can even adopt some of these habits ourselves to boost our own resilience.

Are you ready to learn about the habits that can make you more resilient? Let’s dive in!

1) Embrace change

If there’s one thing constant in life, it’s change. Highly resilient people have mastered the art of adapting to this constant.

In the face of adversity, they don’t rigidly stick to their ways. Instead, they evaluate the situation, accept the reality, and make necessary changes.

It’s not always easy, but it’s crucial for resilience.

The renowned psychologist, Carl Jung, once said: “The most intense conflicts, if overcome, leave behind a sense of security and calm that is not easily disturbed.”

This is the essence of embracing change. It’s about overcoming conflicts and obstacles, not avoiding them.

And in doing so, resilient individuals gain a sense of security and calmness that helps them navigate future challenges with more ease.

The next time you’re faced with a change or challenge, remember this habit of highly resilient people.

Embrace the change, overcome the conflict and enjoy the resulting security and calmness.

2) Cultivate optimism

Being an optimist doesn’t mean you’re always happy or you ignore life’s challenges.

No. It simply means you expect the best outcome in every situation.

I remember when I was working on my first big project. Everything that could go wrong, did.

The team was disheartened, and it was easy to get swept up in the negativity.

But then I realized, I had a choice. I could either let this setback define me or use it as a stepping stone.

I chose to be optimistic. To believe that regardless of the hurdles, we could still deliver a successful project. And guess what? We did.

Martin Seligman once said: “Optimism is invaluable for the meaningful life. With a firm belief in a positive future, you can throw yourself into the service of that which is larger than you are.”

Optimism is indeed a powerful trait that highly resilient people possess.

It fuels their resilience and helps them maintain a positive mindset even in challenging times.

It’s not just about expecting good things to happen, but also about taking action to make them happen.

3) Nurture supportive relationships

Have you ever felt alone when facing a tough situation? I have, and let’s be honest, it’s tough.

Highly resilient people understand the importance of having supportive relationships.

They don’t isolate themselves during hard times. Instead, they reach out, share their struggles, and draw strength from their loved ones.

The acclaimed psychologist, John Bowlby once wisely stated: “What cannot be communicated to the [m]other cannot be communicated to the self.”

This speaks volumes about the importance of sharing our experiences and emotions with others.

It’s through these connections that we gain insight into ourselves and find the strength to face adversity.

In essence, nurturing supportive relationships is not a sign of weakness; it is an act of strength and a key habit of highly resilient individuals.

4) Practice self-care

Self-care is not just about spa days and indulgent treats. It’s about taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing consistently.

A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that individuals who regularly practiced self-care activities like exercise, mindfulness, and healthy eating showed higher levels of resilience.

They were better equipped to handle stress and more likely to bounce back from adversities.

This habit is not about being selfish or self-indulgent. Instead, it’s about acknowledging that you are important and worthy of care.

By taking care of yourself, you are building a stronger foundation to face whatever life throws your way.

In essence, practicing self-care equips you with the tools needed to combat stress and adversity effectively, making it a vital habit of highly resilient individuals.

5) Keep learning

Life is a never-ending journey of learning. And highly resilient people truly take this to heart.

I remember my grandmother used to say, “The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.” And you know what, she was right.

Resilient individuals continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow, even from their failures.

They don’t let setbacks deter them; instead, they use these experiences as stepping stones to become better.

The well-known psychologist, Albert Bandura, once said: “In the face of failure, people with high self-efficacy recover quickly and remain committed to their goals.”

This commitment to continual learning and growth, even in the face of failure, is a powerful trait that defines highly resilient people.

It’s not about never failing; it’s about never giving up on growth and learning.

6) Acceptance of imperfection

Counterintuitive as it may seem, accepting imperfection is a strength. Highly resilient people understand that life is not perfect, and neither are they.

Perfectionism can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. It can hinder our ability to move forward and adapt.

On the other hand, accepting that we are all works in progress can empower us to learn and grow from our experiences.

Carl Rogers, a prominent psychologist, said: “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

This acceptance of imperfection is not about settling for less but acknowledging our humanity.

By doing so, we allow ourselves the freedom to make mistakes, learn from them, and ultimately become stronger and more resilient.

7) Positive perspective

Last but not least, highly resilient individuals maintain a positive perspective. They choose to see the silver lining in every cloud.

Viktor Frankl once said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

This doesn’t mean they ignore the negatives.

Rather, they choose to focus on the positives, which fuels their resilience and empowers them to keep going, no matter how tough things get.

Final reflections

Resilience – it’s as multifaceted as it is essential.

From embracing change to maintaining a positive perspective, the habits that define highly resilient people are deeply ingrained in their approach to life.

Each habit is a testament to their strength, adaptability, and unwavering spirit.

They don’t shy away from adversity; instead, they face it head-on, using it as fuel for growth and development.

As we navigate our own journeys, these habits serve as guiding lights, showing us ways to foster our own resilience.

Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardships; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

As you reflect upon these habits, ask yourself: How can I cultivate these traits? How can I nurture my own resilience?

In doing so, you take the first step towards becoming a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.