We are now a month into our self-isolation and the cracks may be starting to show. The cracks may be visible by feeling less courageous, more apathetic and not feeling as patient as you would like. This isn't uncommon and you may feel a bit powerless about how to help yourself or help others. With so much uncertainty around us some may be questioning things like; when will self-isolation finish, can we afford this, we don’t have the space we are used to. Our stoic approach at the beginning can be waning.
Whilst we may be dealing with increased change right now, Heraclitus' quote reminds us that we have always dealt with change and will always deal with change. And resilience helps us to deal with change.
The good news is that resilience can be cultivated. It can be cultivated by working on a constructive attitude and mindset for dealing with setbacks and challenges. And as a leader in your family, community or any type of group, modelling resilience helps inspire others to be more resilient.
So knowing that resilience can be developed, how we cope with change individually is up to us.
A simple model that helps to explain why we feel the way we do comes from William Bridges. He developed "The Transition Model" which talks about the natural human process of becoming aware of change and adapting to new way of things. The "Transition Model" explains that transition and acceptance to change can happen slowly and happens internally. Transitions take time and can occur over 3 phases.
Ending: Most people experience negative emotions. Productivity starts to drop, possibly due to the negative emotions. If we think about the experience we are in now, there's been a sudden, enormous change. Whilst we know that we should or could take advantage of this time to be productive, the unhappiness that is within us, may be overwhelming.
Neutral Zone: We can feel confused, uncertain and impatient. We don't realise it but we are going through tremendous internal change. This may also be called the 'cocoon phase' where the caterpillar turns into a butterfly. This is an important part of the change and growth. We may find new solutions, new growth, new opportunities and new ways forward.
New Beginning: We start to attach and identify with the newness. We don't know how we will emerge from this pandemic but we do know that there will be so many differences. We have changed and when we recognise the change, we start to feel more excitement, optimism and comfort. In this zone productivity rises.
This is such an interesting and empowering topic that I am going to spend some time going through strategies that can help you and others around you to build the resilience muscle. I'm hosting a complimentary webinar Wednesday 29 April , 7pm for one hour. We will go through the science of change and ideas for building resilience.
If you'd like to go into more detail now, then please send me a message or phone me. Happy to chat to see if I can help you individually.
Wishing you all love and light
Fiona