Resilient people can cope better with strokes of fate and even emerge stronger from critical phases in their lives. Resilience is thus, in a figurative sense, the immune system of the mind. Instead of sinking into self-pity and helplessly surrendering to one's fate, resilience helps people to carry on, overcome lows and face challenges anew.
The term was coined in particular by a long-term study in the 1970s that examined the development of children in Hawaii. Although all the participating children grew up under unfavorable family conditions, such as illness or poverty, about one-third of them nevertheless developed very well. There was no difference from children growing up in favorable conditions.
Each of us has a different basic set of resilient skills. According to experts, there are seven character traits that make up a strong ability to cope with stress and crisis - the so-called 7 pillars of resilience or "resiliency factors." The more of the following traits you recognize in yourself, the more resilient you are.
- Self-confidence
- Sociability
- Emotional stability
- Optimism
- Action control
- Realism
- Strength of analysis
