As we approach the spring of 2022, we face another period of uncertainty. What if we could transport ourselves into the future and discover this uncertainty only increased over time? Would we collectively fall into moods of overwhelm and frustration or would we prepare ourselves to engage in more productive ways?
Resiliency is the capacity to bounce back from adversity. The pandemic has been both an accelerant and revealer – accelerant of new ways to conduct business (elevating the online student experiences, hybrid work, etc.) and revealer of the underlying dysfunctions that lead to unsatisfactory outcomes (graduation rates by family income, ever-increasing education costs, and increasing competition from a shrinking pool of incoming students).
We can face these “brutal facts” by developing resiliency in how we think and act. Here are three examples of how to prepare us to get through sustained challenges.
Convene with others. An impediment to a productive mindset is the sense of feeling alone. When you run, bike, or exercise with others, the presence of other human beings encourages and distracts you from the pain you feel in your body. The same is true when being around people who share in our intellectual and professional pursuits. Whether it is a thought leadership or mastermind group, we gain strength from being around others that share in our vision. Form or join a group that feeds your passion.
Begin a mindfulness practice. Mental health is a top concern facing an ever-widening group of people (students, staff, faculty, and administrators). By taking the time to cultivate a practice that supports your well-being, (meditation, yoga, and exercise to name a few), you not only increase your ability to face stressful situations, you inspire others to take care of themselves. Disrupt the story that you don’t have time for yourself. Practice self-care.
Meet with students. For many of us, students show up as numbers and not human beings - yield, retention, and enrollment figures. We insulate ourselves from the very thing that is central to why we do this work. Practicing resiliency is not only overcoming challenges but finding inspiration in how our work transforms lives.
To learn how we can help you and your people cultivate resiliency, check out our next online leadership program that begins in January 2022. There is no better time to invest in yourself or the emerging leaders in your organization.