Resilience is a significant psychological concept. A definition often used is that resilience is “a dynamic process that individuals exhibit positive behavioral adaptation when they encounter significant adversity or trauma.” It is the ability to endure, and sometimes even flourish, when confronted with difficult life challenges. Every person has adversity and trauma somewhere along life’s roadway. Resilience is a valuable characteristic that often separates those who succeed and those who fail.

Where does such a positive trait come from?  Do you have it?  In my experience as a therapist I find the family of origin is the most significant factor in helping a person develop this capacity. What did you see in your parents as they faced the challenges of the day? What were the messages given to you by your parents, teachers and other mentoring types. Was the message one that said you can succeed, overcome any challenge, if you just had a positive attitude and gave it your all?

Or perhaps a quitters life style was shown to you. “Give in and give out” is the motto for such people. These significant molders of your character were poor role models and teachers.  They did not believe in themselves, or you, as they whined, complained, and eventually gave up in face of significant life tests.

Perhaps you have heard the phrase “winners never quit, quitters never win.”  People with resilience bravely face life challenges. They believe in positive outcomes to negative circumstances. They give it their all to achieve what is necessary for success.

Adversity comes in many forms: health, family relationships, finances, school and job situations, etc. What have been, or currently are, your challenges to overcome?  Are you a person of resilience?  Do you encourage others in your circle to utilize this characteristic to surmount their tests?

As the famous Nietzsche quote says: “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Thus the deduction I invite you to make is how many tough challenges have you faced in your life and how strong are you as a result? To the extent that you have survived, become more confident, to that extent  you have the wonderful developed gift of resilience.

A quotation that means a lot to me when I face life challenges is one from the addiction recovery community: “Just do the next right thing.”  By implementing such a way of life you rarely get very far off course — your path in life. Destiny beckons, resilience answers!

— Dr. Stathas is a Counseling Psychologist, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, in the Lake Oconee area.  He is the Founder of the Stathas Life Development Center.  He can be reached at 706-473-1780. Email:Stathas@plantationcable.net. Web site: drstathas.googlepages.com. Blog: drstathas.com