Tag Archives: Resilience

“The show must go on.”

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“The show must go on.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Kyle Head

The phrase “The show must go on” embodies resilience and determination in the face of adversity, originated from the world of theater.

It reminds us that no matter the challenge or setback, we must continue moving forward.

This mindset is invaluable beyond the stage — whether in personal struggles, professional hurdles, or unexpected life events.

It encourages perseverance, adaptability, a positive attitude, and reinforcing that obstacles are part of the journey, not the end.

Embracing this wisdom helps us maintain focus and motivation, inspiring us to overcome difficulties and achieve our goals.

Ultimately, it teaches us the power of endurance and the importance of always moving forward.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your life would a “The show must go on” mindset be most helpful?

How can you use its message as a call for greater resilience and hope, regardless of the challenges?

 

Better waves make better surfers.

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“Better waves make better surfers. Are you on the right beach?”

—Seth Godin, American author, marketing expert, and entrepreneur

Image from Unsplash by Sincerely Media

Today’s quote reminds us that much of our personal and professional growth depends on the challenges we face, just as surfers improve by riding bigger, more challenging waves.

We, too, develop skills and resilience by stepping out of our comfort zones.

It goes further to ask a crucial question: Are you in the right environment to grow?

Many times, staying in a familiar but stagnant place limits our potential. Finding the “right beach” means seeking opportunities that push you, inspire you, and help you evolve.

Whether in your career, relationships, or personal goals, choose the waves that challenge you to become better, embrace the right environment, and watch yourself grow and transform into a stronger, more skilled version of yourself.

EXERCISE:

To what degree are you surfing better waves on better beaches?

What actions can and will you take to be even more intentional about your growth trajectory?

Sometimes in life even though it’s not your fault

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“Sometimes in life, even though it’s not your fault, it’s still your problem.”

—Steve McKee, Founder of a nationally recognized marketing advisory firm

Image from Unsplash by Karla Hernandez

Life often throws challenges our way that aren’t our fault — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t our problem to solve.

Whether it’s a family crisis, workplace conflict, or unexpected setback, we may find ourselves responsible for navigating the fallout.

This reality teaches resilience accountability beyond blame. Taking ownership, even when undeserved, empowers us to find solutions, grow stronger, and maintain control over our reactions.

Sometimes, the path forward requires us to carry burdens not of our making.

Embracing this mindset transforms obstacles into opportunities for personal growth and leadership, reminding us that how we respond defines us more that the circumstances themselves.

EXERCISE:

How do you cope with problems that aren’t your fault? What role could greater emotional resilience play in handling these situations?

“When we raise our hopes and lower our expectations, we establish a resilient way forward.

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“When we raise our hopes and lower our expectations, we establish a resilient way forward.”

—Seth Godin, author, entrepreneur, and teacher

Image from Unsplash by Pedro Sanz

I recently looked for an easy-to-understand definition of resilience. Here is what the American Psychological Association had to offer:

Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.

Seth’s view on the subject is a lot easier to understand and implement!

EXERCISE:

In what areas of life would raising your hopes and lowering your expectations boost your resilience and help you move forward?

There is a difference between giving up and starting over

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“There is a difference between giving up and starting over.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by @felipepelaquim

Today’s quote made me immediately think of Thomas Edison.

When you consider all the inventions attributed to him—including the light bulb—it’s clear to see his consistent persistence in action.

How about you?

Where and how often do you begin again and again when things don’t work out on the first and future attempts?

To what degree have you developed the resilience and resolve to start over when your path forward is blocked?

Where and on what important matter did you give up entirely?

To what extent do you feel a sense of failure and regret for not staying the course or finding an alternative route toward your goal?

EXERCISE:

Two books to consider if the quote above resonates are…

The Dip by Seth Godin

The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink

Switch up your stress story

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Switch up your stress story.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Elisa Ventur

To what degree do you feel like you are at a breaking point?  Where are the levels of personal and professional stress having a negative impact on your physical and mental health?

I recently visited the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. Of particular interest was a glass breaking exhibition in which various types of glass were put to the test. Over the years of use and development of this miraculous material, engineers and scientists have come up with numerous processes to make glass far stronger and resistant to breakage.

EXERCISE:

Where are you being tempered and heat treated through various life experiences? How can you view these events and the stories you tell about them as opportunities for greater growth and resilience?

Older now, you find holiness in anything that continues

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“Older now, you find holiness in anything that continues.”

—Naomi Shihab Nye, American Poet

Image from Alaska native news

Gary Muehlberger, who recently passed, was a featured character in the National Geographic show Port Protection.  Well into his 70s, this white-haired, no-nonsense man looked a bit like a skinny Santa.  He lived in an Alaskan community of people who live life on their own terms, hunting, fishing, and gathering many of the resources they need from the land and sea.

Gary was a jack of many trades. He owned a fishing boat build in 1919 which he used for catching salmon. This bucket-of-bolts required frequent attention and repairs by himself and other handy folks in his community, but kept chugging along and fed him for many years, body and soul.

EXERCISE:

What have you noticed about the aging process in yourself and others these past few years?

How have you come to more fully acknowledge and appreciate the resilience and enduring qualities within yourself and your communities?