Reader, I've got three words for you: mindset, meaning, and MacGyver. It turns out that MINDSET + MEANING + MACGYVER is the secret to this week's #ShowUpPositive Spark, RESILIENT Let's start with MINDSET and break it down. The first common trait shared by resilient people and companies is their staunch acceptance of reality. Rather than adopting a baseless optimism and being disappointed repeatedly, resilient people accept the reality of their situation, no matter how brutal, while maintaining unwavering faith that they will prevail. Both POWs and survivors of the Nazi concentration camps reported that those who chose optimism instead of realism lost hope and were among the first to die. Reader, it turns out that the mind is a powerful force for both bad and good, depending on your choice. The second trait of resilient people is they find MEANING despite their adversity. Meaningfulness is intensely personal and often revealed as a reflection of family and societal contribution. Meaning can't be dictated by others, nor is it sustained continuously. It is highly contextual and episodic. The final trait of resilient people is their ability to improvise with what they have and find a way forward, just like MACGYVER . Whether you caught the original MacGyver from my childhood or the reboot last decade, you know that MacGyver's superpower is his ability to improvise and use the most random materials to get himself out of a dangerous situation or gain access to critical information. There you have it, Reader, the secrets to being more resilient:
Which of these strengths do you have, and which do you want to cultivate? I have a half day training on developing resilience that I'd love to bring to you and your team. 🥰 Who do you know that is looking for a speaker for meetings, workshops, or trainings? An introduction would be awesome! 🥰 |
My weekly emails are for you if you want a transformational SHOT OF POSITIVITY that makes you think, gets you laughing, and sparks a positive change. Start each week inspired.
Reader I wonder how often you find yourself needing some courage. Needing courage because the situation you face is too risky challenging out of your comfort zone contentious overwhelming This past week I spent much time reflecting on courage. It began with my presentation to over 100 people at the TN SHRM annual conference, continued in a private facilitated session with a group of leaders, and ended on the pickleball court yesterday. The heart of each—our continuous need as human beings to...
Reader I'm just checking in to let you know I'm thinking about you. Last week was the one year anniversary of my father's death and funeral. So I am having a little grace for myself. I've taken a few weeks off from writing this weekly blog because I couldn't find the focus in words or even message. Grief is funny that way It shows up and sucks all the air out of the room, while simultaneously honoring life and love. Tomorrow I join a room of over 50 people at the SHRM Tennessee 2025...
Reader I'm not a big Marvel fan, but this line from the Toby Maguire Spiderman movie has stuck in my brain: "With great power comes great responsibility." Last Thursday I taught my Human Operating System model to a group of nonprofit leaders. The punchline is simple: You have tremendous power and influence over the results you get. Much of your thinking is habitual and keeps you stuck You can intentionally disrupt this habitual thinking You can replace your self-limiting thought with an...