I was asked to contribute a small piece on resilience for a professional paper and was drawn to the observation of how essential 
resilience now is to anyone setting off on a new career path. Although always in the back of my mind I am concerned that resilience can morph into sheer bloody-mindedness; not knowing when to stop doing the same thing in the hope of success and take a different approach?
When do you know you are showing resilience in difficult circumstances and when do you know you are just hanging on hoping things will improve? Knowing the difference is a fine line that can only be discerned by self-awareness and trust in someone who knows where the pitfalls might be; someone who can see impartially. We all suffer from the inability to see the wood for the trees from time to time.
In this particular climate it is clear that we are all having to show more resilience than perhaps our generation has ever had to experience previously, and those who will do well and thrive, (more successful businesses are born from recession than any other time), will be those who take the calculated risk and show some confidence and courage in embracing new ways of thinking and behaving.
Sadly, the old days where one could whip off a fairly average CV and still manage to get into an interview have gone. Equally being offered a position without due process seems less and less usual. Knowing this can often send us into a bit of a panic. What do I have to offer? How can I tell people just how adaptive and capable I am? This is certainly a moment for resilience, to know that this is all just perception. You will have proved yourself on many different occasions, and this is only a challenge of how to phrase things correctly, where to address your energy, and in being realistic that there will be some disappointment. Real success often comes after disappointment.
Equally, anyone who has ever set up a business must embrace resilience if they want more than the first flurry of success. To build a strong future, strong foundations are essential.
Personally, setting off on the trail of self-employment, I was keen to practice what I was trained to do. Little realising that running a business would be the greater challenge, and that spinning many figurative plates would be the greatest challenge. Certainly, I just did not know what I did not know, yes, I was committed to hard work, but where should I address all this energy?
Success, even in these challenging times is more than possible, with the right support it is probable.
I am here to help and support, just reach out.
Warmest,
Angela
