People who are naturally resilient do these 8 things differently

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, doesn’t it? One moment we’re sailing smoothly, and the next, we’re trying to dodge life’s challenges. 

We all know those incredible people who seem to bounce back no matter what life throws their way. Ever wonder what their secret is? 

Recently, I met a man who’s been through more ups and downs than a roller coaster, yet he’s always smiling. 

Intrigued, I decided to dig deeper and found out that people like him do these 8 things differently to be naturally resilient. 

Want to know what they are? Keep reading.

1) Embrace change

Picture this: you’re at a social gathering and everyone is talking about the big changes happening in their lives — new jobs, moving cities, relationships ending and beginning. 

How does that make you feel? Anxious? Unsettled? For my new friend, who has navigated through life’s choppy waters with a grin, embracing change is the first step to being resilient.

He views change not as a threat but as a new opportunity, a new chapter. 

During a conversation, he mentioned how each change in his life brought him something invaluable — whether it was a lesson, a new friendship, or a chance to grow.

You might be thinking, “Easier said than done,” right? But consider this: Change is inevitable. Whether we like it or not, change will happen. The trick lies in how we adapt to it. 

Rather than clinging to the familiar, which can be comforting yet limiting, why not face change head-on with an open heart and mind? 

2) Own their emotions

Let’s be honest, emotions can be messy. They can turn the most composed among us into a whirlwind of feelings. It’s easy to dodge emotions, to pretend we’re not hurt, anxious, or upset. 

But the resilient people I’ve met, including the man I met, have a different approach: they own their emotions.

What does that mean? It means acknowledging what you’re feeling without judgment. My friend told me that every emotion serves a purpose, even the uncomfortable ones. 

Anger can highlight boundaries; sadness can signal a need for change; anxiety can be a reminder to prepare for something important.

By acknowledging these feelings, he’s not giving power to the emotions but taking power back from them. How? By understanding their origins and deciding what to do next, consciously.

Think of it like weather in a city: You can’t control when it will rain, but you can decide whether to carry an umbrella. Similarly, you can’t always control how you feel, but you can control your response to those feelings. 

3) Build strong relationships

We’ve all heard the saying, “No man is an island,” right? Well, it turns out there’s a lot of wisdom in those old words. 

Having a support system isn’t just about having someone to call when you’re down; it’s about meaningful connections that enrich your life in good times and bad. 

My friend emphasized how his close relationships offer not just emotional support but also different perspectives, advice, and even constructive criticism that he might not have considered.

But building strong relationships isn’t a one-way street. Resilient people also invest in those relationships, offering the same level of support, love, and understanding that they receive. 

It creates a cycle of positive energy that not only boosts your emotional well-being but also reinforces your ability to bounce back from setbacks.

In essence, strong relationships are like a safety net made of individual threads of trust, love, and shared experiences. The more you invest in weaving this net, the more secure it becomes, making those inevitable falls in life a little less scary.

4) Practice self-compassion

You know that inner voice that sometimes says you’re not good enough, smart enough, or strong enough? We all have it, and it can be our own worst enemy. 

But guess what? The resilient people among us, like my new friend, have found a way to deal with that nagging inner critic: they practice self-compassion.

What’s self-compassion, you ask? It’s treating yourself with the same kindness, concern, and understanding that you would offer to a good friend in times of struggle. 

My friend told me how he often takes a step back when he’s feeling down or overwhelmed and asks himself, “What would I say to a friend who’s going through this?”

The simple act of framing the situation this way does wonders for your perspective. It shifts your focus from self-judgment to self-support, which is crucial for building resilience.

5) Develop problem-solving skills

We’ve all, at some point, felt stuck facing a problem and didn’t know what to do. But resilient people have a different approach —they often see problems as puzzles to be solved. 

Take my new friend, for example. Instead of feeling defeated by challenges, he breaks them into smaller parts and tackles each one. He doesn’t let fear paralyze him; instead, he focuses on solutions.

The secret sauce? Don’t go it alone. Use your network for advice and new perspectives. 

My friend does this all the time. Whether it’s a work dilemma or a personal issue, he seeks input from those he trusts. He knows two heads are often better than one.

So the next time you’re up against a challenge, don’t freeze or run away. Break it down, explore your options, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. 

By solving small problems, you build up your resilience for tackling bigger ones down the road. This way, you turn life’s hurdles into stepping stones toward your goals.

6) Cultivate a positive outlook

Life seems to be great at throwing us curveballs — yet, some people manage to stay optimistic. Ever wondered how they do it? 

My new friend has this knack for finding the silver lining, even when clouds seem overwhelming. Optimism, it turns out, is a cornerstone of resilience.

It’s all about perspective. Instead of dwelling on the negatives or the ‘what-ifs,’ resilient people focus on what they can control. They remind themselves of past triumphs to tackle new challenges. 

When you view hurdles as opportunities for growth, you start attracting positive outcomes.

But here’s the deal — it’s not about ignoring the bad stuff. It’s about acknowledging it and choosing to find something good in it. 

My friend told me that when he had to move cities for work, he was anxious but chose to see it as a chance to meet new people and grow his career.

The next time you’re facing uncertainty or hardship, take a leaf out of their book. Acknowledge the struggle, but also find a reason to smile. 

7) Take time to recharge

Ever feel like you’re running on empty, struggling to get through the day? 

Resilient people understand that to face life’s challenges, they need to be at their best physically and emotionally. That means taking time to recharge. 

My new friend is the epitome of this; he knows when to step back and take a breather.

How does he do it? Simple habits make a world of difference. Whether it’s a short walk, a few minutes of meditation, or even just unplugging from social media, small breaks can revive your spirit. It’s about knowing your limits and respecting them.

This isn’t about escapism or avoiding your problems. It’s about recharging your batteries so you can tackle challenges with a clear mind and a full heart. 

My friend told me that before making any major life decision, he takes a day off to just relax and think. It might sound counterintuitive, but stepping back often provides the clarity you need to move forward effectively.

8) Keep learning

If you’ve ever met someone and thought, “Wow, they really know a lot about a lot!”, you’ll understand my impression when I met this new friend. 

One key trait of resilient people is that they never stop learning. They know that knowledge isn’t just power; it’s armor against life’s unpredictabilities.

What’s the trick? Stay curious. Whether it’s a new skill, an interesting podcast, or a book that challenges your thinking, there’s always something to learn. 

My friend, for instance, always has a book on the go and isn’t shy about diving into new experiences.

But it’s not just about accumulating information; it’s also about applying it. Use what you learn to make better decisions, solve problems, or even just to broaden your perspective. 

For instance, my friend shared how he decided to learn basic car repairs. Not long after, he was able to fix a minor issue while we were on a road trip. 

It’s amazing how these small bits of knowledge can come in handy at the most unexpected times — and help you navigate them with strength and grace.

Become the master of your own resilience

There you have it — 8 habits that resilient people practice to navigate life’s highs and lows. 

Building resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about preparing for it and growing through it. 

So, why not start incorporating these habits into your own life? 

Remember, resilience isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build. 

Be your own hero, starting today.