Just Do It
Resilience is a Muscle: You Just Have to Flex It
We tend to overthink. We overthink whether to send the email. Whether to write the newsletter. Whether to kiss the girl. We overthink tough conversations. They loom large in our heads like they’re some insurmountable task—when, in reality, they’re more like awkward first dates: uncomfortable at first, but usually not as bad as you feared. Building resilience for these moments isn’t about waiting for the perfect time—it’s about practicing, stepping up, and just doing it.
Resilience isn’t about grand, sweeping gestures; it’s about showing up regularly, even when it feels uncomfortable. Whether it’s giving constructive feedback, having a tough conversation, or dealing with an unexpected curveball, resilience is built by doing, not by over-preparing or avoiding.
How to Build Everyday Resilience:
Start Small:
No one’s asking you to climb Mount Everest here. Start with a small, low-stakes challenge. Have that slightly awkward chat you’ve been putting off, like telling a colleague their favorite phrase is “circling back” (and it’s slowly driving you mad).Get Comfortable with Discomfort:
The first step in building resilience is admitting it’s not going to feel great—at least at first. But the more you push through that discomfort, the easier it gets. Think of it like trying out a new workout: the first few reps might hurt, but soon you’ll feel stronger.Stop Overthinking It:
We tend to hype up hard conversations until they feel like some impossible feat, but they’re usually over quicker than you think. Your brain is great at spinning worst-case scenarios—don’t believe the hype.Celebrate the Attempt:
Even if it’s messy, give yourself credit for trying. You don’t need a standing ovation for giving feedback or addressing a tough topic. Just showing up is half the battle (and sometimes the hardest part).
This is not about perfection; it’s about persistence. It’s not about never stumbling—it’s about being willing to try, fall, and get back up. And here’s the secret: when you start practicing, even in small ways, you’ll realize those big, scary moments aren’t so scary after all.
Your Challenge:
This week, take on one small, slightly uncomfortable conversation. Maybe it’s giving feedback to a teammate or bringing up an issue you’ve been tiptoeing around directly, instead of going through that person’s manager. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just take the leap. Trust me, the world won’t implode, and you’ll feel a little stronger for putting yourself out there. And likely the person will appreciate it.
Resilience isn’t reserved for superheroes or marathon runners—it’s built in the everyday moments where you choose to show up and try. So, lace up (figuratively speaking), take that first step, and see where it takes you. You’ve got this!
Stay well ✨
P.S. What else have you works well for you? Any other tips you’d share?