Author: April Ogden, Founder and CEO, It’s Your Outcome

Resilience is Your Superpower 

 

Many years ago, my life changed in a way I hadn’t anticipated. I was faced with a medical diagnosis that meant the work I had spent years building my career around was no longer possible. 

 

I could have given up. I thought about it many times. It would have been easier to say, This is too much, and stop trying. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t let this be the end of my story. 

 

So I began the journey of reinventing myself. It wasn’t quick or easy, but I learned how to adapt, shift my focus, and push through setbacks. And eventually, I built a new career—one that not only worked with my circumstances but allowed me to thrive. 

 

That’s what resilience does. It’s not about avoiding hardship—it’s about finding the strength to keep going, even when things get tough. 

 

In the workplace, resilience is no different. Whether you’re managing an overwhelming workload, navigating career setbacks, or adjusting to industry changes, resilience can be the difference between surviving and thriving. 

 

What is Resilience, and Why Does It Matter? 

 

Resilience is the ability to adapt and recover when faced with challenges, setbacks, or uncertainty. It’s not about ignoring difficulties—it’s about finding ways to keep moving forward despite them. 

 

In the workplace, resilience helps you: 

 

• Stay focused under pressure. 

• Bounce back from failures or rejections. 

• Adapt to changes like new technologies, industry shifts, or evolving roles. 

 

Here’s what this looks like in action: 

 

• Example 1: A project you’ve worked on for months doesn’t meet expectations, and leadership shifts priorities. Instead of feeling defeated, you analyze what went wrong, adapt your approach, and contribute valuable insights to future projects. 

• Example 2: Your role undergoes significant changes due to automation or restructuring. Rather than resisting the change, you take initiative to upskill, learn the new tools, and position yourself as an adaptable team member. 

• Example 3: After missing out on a promotion, you use the feedback to strengthen your skills, seek mentorship, and prepare yourself for the next opportunity. 

 

These scenarios aren’t easy, but they demonstrate how resilience can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. 

 

What I Learned About Resilience 

 

My experience taught me a few key lessons about resilience that apply to any workplace: 

 

1. Resilience Requires Flexibility 

 

When I realized I could no longer do the work I had built my career around, I had to get honest with myself: it was time to pivot. That meant letting go of old goals and finding new ones that aligned with my strengths and circumstances. 

 

 

How You Can Apply This:
Be open to change. Sometimes, resilience means shifting your perspective or exploring new opportunities instead of clinging to what used to work. 

 

But what if I don’t want to let go of what I know?
That’s completely valid. Change is hard, and it’s okay to grieve what you’re leaving behind. Start by taking small steps to explore new possibilities while holding space for your emotions. Flexibility doesn’t mean forgetting your past—it means building a future that works for you. 

 

1. Resilience is Built Through Small Steps 

 

I  didn’t wake up one day and magically have a new career. It was a process of trial and error, taking small steps every day toward something new. 

 

How You Can Apply This: 

 

Break challenges into smaller, manageable steps. Whether it’s learning a new skill, updating your résumé, or exploring a different industry, focus on progress—not perfection. 

 

Workplace Example: Imagine being assigned a challenging task you’ve never done before, like managing a tight project deadline. Rather than getting overwhelmed, break it into smaller tasks, ask for clarification when needed, and celebrate each milestone as you complete it. 

 

But what if small steps don’t feel like they’re adding up?
Progress can feel slow, especially when the results aren’t immediate. But resilience is like building a muscle—the more you practice, the stronger you get. Even when it doesn’t feel like much, those small steps are moving you closer to your goals. 

 

1. Resilience Thrives on Support 

 

There were moments when I felt like giving up, but the encouragement of others helped me keep going. Whether it was advice from a mentor or support from friends, I didn’t navigate the journey alone. 

 

How You Can Apply This: 

 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Surround yourself with people who inspire and encourage you.  

 

Building resilience is easier when you have a strong support system. 

 

Workplace Example: If you’re feeling stuck in your role, reach out to a colleague who has navigated similar challenges or find a mentor who can guide you. Sometimes, simply hearing how others overcame obstacles can help you find your own path forward. 

 

But what if I don’t have anyone to lean on?
If your current circle doesn’t feel supportive, look for opportunities to connect with new people. Join professional groups, find a mentor, or connect with online communities. Resilience doesn’t have to be a solo journey—you can build support systems as you go. 

 

The Science of Resilience in the Workplace 

 

Beyond personal experience, research backs up the importance of resilience: 

 

• Resilient employees are more engaged: A Gallup study found that employees who feel they can handle stress and challenges are 57% more engaged at work. 

• Resilience boosts performance: According to the Harvard Business Review, resilience is directly linked to higher productivity and better decision-making under pressure. 

• Organizations thrive with resilient leaders: Teams led by resilient individuals are more innovative, adaptable, and collaborative. 

 

The takeaway? Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about moving forward stronger. 

 

Building Resilience: Where to Start 

 

If you’re looking to build resilience in your own career, here are some practical steps to get started: 

 

1. Focus on What You Can Control
   In uncertain times, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by factors outside your control. Instead, identify what’s within your power and take action on those things.

 

2. Learn from Setbacks
   Every challenge has a lesson. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this experience? How can I grow from it?

 

3. Prioritize Self-Care
   Resilience requires energy. Make sure you’re taking care of your physical and mental health so you have the strength to handle challenges.

 

Imagine the Power of Resilience in Your Career 

 

Picture this: You’re in a competitive workplace where change is constant, but you feel steady, adaptable, and capable of tackling whatever comes your way. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by challenges, you see them as opportunities to grow. 

 

That’s what resilience can do—it helps you thrive in even the toughest environments. 

 

Key Takeaways 

 

1. Resilience is the ability to adapt, recover, and grow in the face of challenges. 

1. It’s built through flexibility, small steps, and a strong support system. 

 

1. Resilience helps you thrive in a competitive workplace by making you adaptable, resourceful, and confident. 

 

Let’s Talk 

 

Resilience doesn’t mean you have to handle everything alone. If you’re ready to build your resilience or navigate a tough career challenge, let’s connect. 

 

What’s one workplace challenge that helped you build resilience? Share your story or reach out to me—I’d love to help you uncover new ways to thrive.