Building Resiliency - A Systematic Model With Five Key Dimensions

The five element model below is extracted from the results of 20 years of university research and 100’s of studies in positive psychology use. One does not need to be a psychologist or therapist to teach them or train in their use. Systematic and consistency of application, meaning daily use of multiple connected methods, is required.

Systematically self-assess yourself routinely on your experiencing as many of the below elements as possible. The more the better. Keep this in front of yourself. Refer to this DAILY, if not routinely in the moments of stress and anxiety.

1.    Positive Emotions: thought awareness, manage emotions and optimistic thinking. Recognize and rationalize negativity and stress and getting back over too positive thinking. This is connected with and can leverage some emotional IQ building strategies .

2.    Positive Engagement: absorbed and immersed in passions, activities that challenge and are personally rewarding. This is also about minimizing distractions in life.

3.    Positive Relationships: having positive, trusting relationships with constructive dialogue. Expressing you heard “good news” when others bring it to you.

4.    Positive Meaning: links to purpose and belonging to and serving something bigger than yourself. Meaning is intrinsically satisfying. Seek meaning, even in small ways. Purpose is extrinsic-giving of ourselves and serving others.

5.    Positive Achievement: pursuit of goal-oriented success and achievement, managing through the obstacles, leveraging strengths and celebrating/savor success along the way. Count your small wins as they accrue to the bigger ones.