World news and the daily pronouncements about gloom do nothing to lift our spirits, and the reality for many people at work is increased uncertainty and pervasive negativity. Even if their jobs are secure many staff, specially in the public sector, will be having to do more with less (as if they weren’t already), and the pressure and constant demand can soon begin to take its toll.
Rising levels of worry and anxiety in response to what we hear in the news are understandable, but that doesn’t mean they are inevitable. The ability to bounce back makes it more likely that an individual will take steps to protect themselves from the pervasive gloom of our times.
Despite the gloom and the pressures, you can do something for yourself. Survival at work – or anywhere else for that matter – relies on personal attributes like the ability to self-manage and to find a sense of purpose out of apparent chaos and disorder.
I think that now, more than ever, is a time when individuals can do something for themselves. Survival at work – or anywhere else for that matter – relies on personal attributes like the ability to self-manage and find a sense of purpose out of apparent chaos and disorder. We all have down days, but how quickly we resurface after a setback depends on our levels of personal resiliency, and this can be developed.
Resilience (sometimes called grit) helps us to bounce back. It is a person’s capacity to respond to periods of high demand in constructive ways. It means they are less likely to be overwhelmed. Maintaining morale and effectiveness in the face of challenge and unforeseen change is a key attribute in dealing with the rigours of today. Like the principle exercising for physical fitness and stamina, resilience is an acquired ability to skilfully manage cycles of stress and recovery. See the posts below to find out the steps that can help you boost your resilience.
