A high IQ or other conventional intelligence is not the key to success in entrepreneurship. Grit is what it is. Grit is an amalgam of tenacity, fervour, and fortitude. When things get difficult, perseverance keeps you on task.
Since passion is love and care for what you do, it should go without saying. Being resilient provides you with the mental fortitude to keep trying. You will get back on your feet even if you are knocked off the horse.
During the COVID-19 pandemic and more recent economic downturns, even the most resilient business owners probably experienced mental health issues on occasion. Resilience expert Wayne M. Sotile and neurosurgeon Gary R. Simonds say that it is possible to strengthen your resilience in this unprecedented time.
Some people (usually those in the medical field) flourish in times of crisis because they “instil habits that create a high level of resilience, which enables them to cope.” Improving those behaviours will also enable them to prosper in the future.
How can you learn the basics of creating this kind of resilience? Sotile and Simonds recommend using the acronym WIRED. Let’s examine how each component of this acronym can support resilience development.
W: Focus on Your Personal Wellness
In these unprecedented times, a lot of entrepreneurs might feel afraid, alone, and uncertain about the future. To maintain their resilience, they have adopted self-care practices such as cooking, gardening, and dancing.
Establish a work-life balance based on your individual needs. Think of yourself as a battery that is aware of when it needs to be recharged. As you adjust to the new normal, you can better take care of your physical and mental well-being by implementing self-care techniques like journaling and meditation.
I: Solicit Input
You may be able to use the Stress Continuum to determine what is causing your stressors to manifest. The military frequently employs this model to evaluate and control stress. You can describe your emotions and actions under stress by using this model.
As you learn about stress-related symptoms that are unique to you, such as a change in diet or energy levels, the Stress Continuum will progressively become more individualised. With that understanding, you can develop routines that will enable you to enter “the green zone,” where you are effectively managing stress through effective coping mechanisms.
For instance, a single walk won’t immediately alleviate all stressors; these activities must be done regularly. But with time, you can become aware of your stressors, engage in the exercises that will help you enter the green zone, and release tension so that you can concentrate on your business.
R: Recognise What Is Working
What are you thankful for at this time? Do you have a fantastic team with whom you work? Are you engaged in work that you enjoy? Do you have a tribe of family, friends, and community that supports you? Take a moment to appreciate what you have right now.
Consider the professional successes you have already attained. This is very important for resilience building. In certain periods of your life, the odds may have been against you, but you have managed to prosper despite them.
E: Do What Is Needed to Boost Your Efficacy
During this period, learning new skills will increase your value in the business world more than doing more of the same things or sticking to what you know you’re good at. Participate in webinars or online courses to advance your knowledge in fields that interest you.
For example, learning a new skill, such as graphic design will boost your confidence and enable you to use the new ability to advance your company. You will be able to offer more specialised services and products, drawing in new clients and customers. It benefits both efficacy and resilience building.
D: Heighten Dialogue
Who do you elevate this conversation with? Engage with your team, loved ones, industry leaders, and social media communities. What is the topic of this discussion? Anything you are enthusiastic about, whether it be social justice, your company, the small business community, or how you can advocate for change.
Building resilience requires speaking up. By speaking up about what’s important to you, you’re also strengthening your bonds with the people you speak to and inspiring them to listen, reflect, and reply with their ideas.