Ways to develop resilience

Like any skill, mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience can be learned. Here’s how: (1) Redefine setbacks as the gateway to something greater. (2) Remember successful people don’t just face adversity, they embrace it. (3) Tune out the critics and focus on doing your best. (4) Wake up every day remembering that prayer and gratitude create a fertile environment for faith. (5) Increase your faith talk when you’re afraid. (6) Learn from failure, and remember the many times you have succeeded. (7) Visualize victory before going into battle. (8) Refuse to dwell on the past or worry about the future; today is where you have the most influence. (9) Identify a solution instead of complaining. (10) Replace self-doubt with faith talk. (11) When things look hopeless, remember “with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27). (12) When you feel alone, think of all those who have helped you and who love and support you. (13) Pray for guidance when you’re in over your head (see James 1:5). (14) Rest when you’re tired, but don’t give up. Finish strong in everything you do. (15) Remember you “can do all things through Christ” when you think you can’t (Philippians 4:13). (16) Recognize what you can’t control, focus on what you can, and surrender the rest to God. (17) Exercise physically to give yourself a sense of control and fight depression. (18) Laugh to reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, and improve arterial blood flow. (19) Be grateful. Research shows that people who sent a letter or email of thanks to somebody who helped them stayed in a better mood for up to a month.