“We can all learn to be more resilient and mentally tough,” says Nancy O’Reilly.
Change is not always easy; in fact, for many of us change is downright difficult. Humans are creatures of habit. We like our world to be predictable, and we want to know what to expect in our lives, moment to moment.
In today’s business and enterprise security worlds, change is part of life. Resilient people are mentally tough. Think of them as you think of the Energizer Bunny – someone who keeps going and going no matter what. Those who are resilient are able to overcome difficult situations and remain cool, calm and collected.
They are ready to seek solutions and get back on track. They do not let disappointments deter them from what they want – instead, they stay focused and plan to be successful. But how can you develop this kind of strength and perseverance? What is the secret?
Here are seven tools to help sometimes stressed out security leaders become more resilient:
1: Start breathing
This activity actually prepares your body for better performance. Are you holding your breath right now? The more stressed and tense you are, the more likely you are to hold in your breathing. Take three deep breaths of air and let them out slowly. Count one, two, three. This creates good circulation and steady breathing for the rest of your day, no matter what situations you face.2: Get more physical activity
Call it exercise or whatever you want. Anything that gets your heart pumping creates important, positive changes in your body. Exercise not only improves our physical bodies, but it also improves the mental.3: Give your body the fuel it needs
Food fuels your human engine. You wouldn’t leave the house without putting gas in your car when you are ready to take a long drive, right? Yet you might not think twice about leaving for work without eating breakfast.4: Start laughing
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, right? Well, when times are tough, it’s ideal to go out and find your sense of humor. Think about it. When you laugh, you breathe. Try it and do a big belly laugh and see what happens.5: Visualize your future
Practice what you want to be and see clearly what you want for your future. It may seem silly, but practicing in your mind, such as a skill you are trying to attain, can open up the possibilities.6: Use your brain
The bottom line is mentally tough people, or resilient people, use their brains. It is a muscle and it must be exercised. So, go out there and do brain games. Try right brain-left brain exercises such as puzzles, cards and memory games; brush your hair (or your teeth) with the opposite hand; find a new way to get home after work; even skipping and jumping rope are right-left brain exercises.7: Stay cool
Mentally tough people know how stay calm and avoid letting their emotions run over them. Here are some tips for that: Try doing some biofeedback; spend the afternoon daydreaming; listen to music. Stop saying “I can’t” and replace it with “I can” or “I will.”Most importantly, to be a really mentally tough person you need to get happy! Happiness is a state of mind – not a place, an object, person or thing. Think of the Laws of Attraction. You attract what you think about. Mentally tough people practice being happy and know it is up to them to make it happen.
Times are tough, but the tough get going, and we can learn a lot from them. Be happy and be mentally tough, and you will be able to handle anything that comes your way!
