Resiliency: The Stubborn Superpower That Keeps You Standing

Ever heard the phrase, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"? Of course you have. It's the go-to pep talk when life throws a curveball your way. But there's another classic that sneaks into our conversations—"Murphy's Law." You know, when things go wrong and someone says, "Oh, that's just Murphy at work." Murphy has a way of showing up uninvited, doesn't he? One mishap leads to another, and before you know it, you're caught in a chain of unlucky events.

But today, I'm not here to analyze the origins of these sayings. I want to discuss something much more personal—resilience—and why it's so important when life feels chaotic. It's a trait we all share, a common thread that connects us in our human experience.

Life Will Knock You Down (Sometimes Hard)

Let's be honest: life isn't easy, and sometimes it feels downright impossible. Whether it's school stress, family challenges, work struggles, or a combination of all three, we've all faced those moments where we wonder, "How do I get back up from this?"

That question is where resilience comes into play.

The Ostrich Mode Dilemma

I'll share a personal truth. When life throws adversity—whether it's a car breakdown, unexpected bills, or a surge of stress—I tend to go into full "ostrich mode." Not literally (I promise), but emotionally. I want to bury my head in the sand and ignore reality knocking on the door. The more overwhelming the situation, the longer I feel tempted to stay hidden.

But here's the catch: ignoring problems doesn't make them disappear. Life won't pause until you're ready to face it.

This is when that hidden reserve of resilience (or maybe just sheer stubbornness) kicks in. The same stubborn streak that probably drove my parents crazy growing up becomes my lifeline. It pushes me to face challenges, even when I'd rather hide.

Resiliency Looks Different for Everyone

Here's what I've learned through both personal experience and my research on Psychological Capital (PsyCap), which includes self-efficacy (confidence), optimism, hope, and resilience: resiliency isn't one-size-fits-all.

Everyone responds to adversity differently because our personal psychological "toolkits" are unique. What might be a minor bump in the road for one person could feel like an avalanche to another. But the good news is, resiliency isn't fixed. It can be built, strengthened, and called upon, especially when life demands it most.

Adversity = Change (Whether We Like It or Not)

One thing's for sure: adversity often leads to change, and change can be uncomfortable. Our natural reaction is to resist because it upsets our routines, security, or plans. But how we respond to that change is a choice. Resiliency doesn't eliminate the discomfort, but it enables us to adapt, shift our perspective, and keep moving forward, even when it's difficult.

Resiliency is Stubbornness with a Purpose

Next time life hands you lemons—or Murphy drops by unannounced—pause and check in with yourself. Are you in ostrich mode? Is your stubbornness working for you or against you? You have the power to harness it, to reframe it as resilience, and to take charge of your response.

Because at the end of the day, resiliency isn't about never falling. It's about refusing to stay down.

Your Turn:

How has resiliency appeared in your life? Have you experienced a "Murphy's Law" moment when your stubborn superpower saved the day? Your experiences matter, and sharing them can inspire others. I'd love to hear your story.