When we think about resilience, the first image that often comes to mind is someone who never gives up, no matter what. But for me, resilience isn’t about pushing through every challenge—it’s about knowing when to keep going and when to pivot.
Resilience, at its core, is about aligning your effort with what truly matters. If what you’re doing is bringing you closer to a life you love, closer to your goals, and closer to the person you want to become, then it’s worth digging in and anchoring yourself in resilience. But if the struggle isn’t moving you in that direction—if it’s draining your energy, stealing your joy, or pulling you further away from your purpose—then it’s okay to let it go.
For me, this balance is key. Resilience isn’t just about grit; it’s about wisdom. It’s about asking yourself:
• Does this make sense for me to keep doing?
• Is this struggle helping me grow or achieve something meaningful?
• Do I love this enough to keep pushing through the hard parts?
If the answer is no, giving yourself permission to pivot isn’t a failure—it’s a step toward realigning with what matters most.
Resilience is also like a muscle. It’s something you build over time by practicing on smaller challenges. Each time you choose to keep going, even when it’s hard, you strengthen that muscle. Then, when bigger challenges come along, you’ve already built the strength to face them.
I’ve learned that resilience is about being intentional. It’s not about being stubborn or refusing to quit—it’s about being thoughtful about what’s worth your effort and energy. When you focus on what truly matters, resilience becomes a tool for growth rather than a burden of expectation.
So, the next time you’re facing a challenge, ask yourself: Is this struggle helping me get closer to the life I want? If the answer is yes, dig in and keep going. If the answer is no, give yourself the grace to let it go.
Call to Action:
Revisit Chapter 4 of Beauty from Chaos for more tools and insights to help you build resilience. Remember, true strength isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about knowing what’s worth your effort and what’s not.
