17 ATTRIBUTES of Resilience

Sense of Humor

• Resilient people don't take themselves too seriously
• Humor is the ability to find something funny in a situation
• Gives the perspective needed to relieve tension and make a situation better.

Optimistic

• Look at bright side of a situation
• Believe in their own strength
• See something negative as opportunity
• Adversity is a challenge, not a threat

Faith

• Spiritual practice or belief
• Not necessarily religious
• Faith in themselves and the universe

Curious

• Childlike in their interest in the world
• Experiment and wonder about things
• Not caught up in the past
• Focus on new possibilities
• What lies ahead, not behind them

Morals

• Connected to what is most important
• Right vs. Wrong- know the difference
• Stand up for what they believe in

Acceptance

• Setbacks are a part of life
• Understand the future can be uncertain
• Focus on important things in life
• Know what you can and cannot control
• Fight only necessary battles

Flexible

• Accept the future can be uncertain
• Able to adapt to adversity
• Willing to adapt to change

PHYsical Well-Being

• Take responsibility for your well-being
• Eat healthy, excercise, and rest
• Take time for themselves
• Know how to relax
• Appreciate all the things in life

Problem Solvers

• Able to be calm and rational when faced with a problem
• Aware of important details
• Take advantage of opportunities
• Envision a successful solution

CREATIVITY + Resourcefulness

• Use creativity and imagination
• Make something happen using what you have
• Express thoughts and feelings in some unique way

STRONG SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEM

• Surround with supportive friends and family
• Build healthy connections
• Maintain relationships that continue to grow
• Know people you can offer support when there's a problem
• Able to talk about challenges and ask for help

INDEPENDENCE

• Keep healthy distance between themselves and others
• Ability to think things through and know what is best for them
• Step away from people who cause trouble or harm

SURVIVOR

• See themself as a survior
• Not a victim

Personal Responsibility

• Have control over their life
• Don't blame others or outside sources
• Believe their actions will affect their outcome of an event
• Power to make choices that will affect our situation

Insightful

• Ask themselves difficult questions
• Why did I do that? How could I have done better?
• Honest with themselves
• Learn from mistakes, and move forward
• See different perspectives on a situation

Initiative

• Take control of a problem
• Work to solve issues
• See a problem and ask questions
• They are leaders
• Work well with others

Purpose

• Focus and set goals
• See meaning and purpose in life
• Self-motivated
• Determined

Sources

• Resilience Cafe
• www.projectresilience.com