What is resilience? What can I do to become a resilient person?
by Maru Marquez and Alan Best
Over the past few years, the word resilience has been everywhere; psychology, physics, economics, and, of course, politics. If we want to be successful, we must be resilient. Yes, a powerful mantra.
But what is resilience? What is it not? And, most importantly, what can you do to become a resilient person?
If this topic interests you, welcome. We hope this guide is useful as you navigate your challenges as a woman in politics.
What Is Resilience?
It may not be the most exciting starting point, but let’s begin by understanding the core meaning of the word resilience.
The Royal Spanish Academy defines resilience as:
- the “capacity of a living being to adapt in the face of a disruptive agent or an adverse state or situation”;
- the “capacity of a material, mechanism, or system to recover its original state once the disturbance it was subjected to has ceased.”
Other definitions of resilience include the “ability to apply creative resources, make decisions, and take effective action,” and “the ability to “overcome obstacles and emerge stronger from the experience.”
From an etymological perspective, resilience comes from the Latin resilire, meaning to bounce back or to start again. In simple terms, resilience is about our ability to transform a challenge into a positive outcome, learning from and capitalising on the experience.
What resilience is Not?
Resilience is often mistakenly confused with two other concepts:
- Resilience is not resistance.
“Look at her resilience; I’m impressed by her ability to withstand political attacks.”
Resistance and resilience are not the same. Resistance can be useful (and sometimes necessary) to face obstacles. But if we only resist without generating real change, we may remain stuck indefinitely in an unacceptable situation, such as ongoing sexual harassment.
- Resilience is not emotional suppression.
“Look at her resilience; despite all the difficulties, she remains stoic and unshaken.”
Resilience has nothing to do with hiding or denying emotions. It’s independent of how we display (or conceal) our feelings.
So let’s bounce back: resilience is about transforming a negative situation into a positive outcome. It’s not enough to simply resist or adapt; there must be a positive shift, a return to a healthier or stronger state.
This requires six key elements:
- Discipline
- Skills and competencies
- Values and principles
- Responsibility
- Purpose, mission, and goals
- Support network
The Myth of Sisyphus
In Greek mythology, Sisyphus angered the gods with his extraordinary intelligence, managing to cheat death (twice). As punishment, he was condemned to push a massive boulder up a mountain, only to watch it roll back down into the valley, from where he had to retrieve it and start again, forever.
Not exactly a dream life. However, Albert Camus suggested that perhaps we all live some version of Sisyphus’s life.
What matters here is that the link between Sisyphus and resilience is not his endless patience or ability to endure suffering. It lies in his capacity to reach the solution, the ideal state, the summit, excellence, again and again.
If you’re interested, you can watchthis video on Sisyphus and Camus.
Five Characteristics of a Resilient Person
Now let’s move past theory and ancient myths and get practical. What defines a resilient person? At least these five traits:
1. Sense of Control
Resilient people tend to believe that their actions influence outcomes. While some factors are beyond our control (such as natural disasters) a resilient person prioritises agency and focuses on how their choices shape their future.
2. Problem-Solving Skills
When a crisis strikes, resilient people look for solutions. They observe the problem without getting trapped in it, understand its dynamics, and envision a successful resolution.
3. Survivor Mindset
In moments of crisis, resilient people often activate what psychologists call a survivor mindset. They avoid seeing themselves as victims and instead believe that a solution exists, and that they can find and move toward it.
4. Emotional Regulation
Resilient people are able to regulate their emotions effectively. While we’ll explore emotional management in a later module, it’s important to note that resilience is not denying emotions, on the contrary, it involves recognising, accepting, and working with emotions in order to face challenges more effectively.
5. Self-Compassion
Resilient people are compassionate with themselves. They know when to rest, how to care for themselves, and how to forgive themselves when outcomes don’t meet expectations. Resilience prepares them to face future challenges with greater strength.
How Can I Access My Resilience?
Some people seem naturally resilient, but resilience can also be learned, practiced and strengthened. Here are five practical strategies to help you access and build your resilience:
01
Find Your Purpose
We’ll explore this in depth in a later module, but Sisyphus’s life is only absurd without purpose. In moments of crisis, ask yourself: Why am I doing what I’m doing?
02
Trust Your Skills
Self-esteem and self-confidence play a crucial role in recovery from difficult events. When negative thoughts arise, remind yourself of past successes. First, recall specific achievements. Then identify the skills you used, remember you still have them.
03
Build Your Support Network
Sharing emotions, receiving encouragement, and getting constructive feedback can be the starting point for solutions. A broad and diverse network multiplies your resources to face both political and personal crises. Meet new people, engage with genuine interest, and stay connected.
04
Embrace Change
Both good and bad events are temporary. Resilient people see every challenge as an opportunity to grow, learn, or move in a new direction. Humans naturally seek stability, so embracing change requires conscious effort and ongoing practice. Try changing something in your life at least once a month, your routine, your look, or a new activity, to strengthen your tolerance for uncertainty.
05
Take Action
Don’t overthink to the point of paralysis. Observe and analyse, but most importantly, act.
Final Advice
While resilience is essential for success and well-being in politics, it’s equally important to know when to ask for help. We all go through difficult moments – and like Sisyphus, we will face them again.
There will be times when we can’t see the light or access our inner strength. Remember: you are not alone. There is always someone (a family member, a friend, or a professional) willing to help.
You are responsible for your own life, and asking for help is a responsible act.
