We’ve all heard the phrase “hindsight is 2020.” There are tons of memes floating around alluding to getting the year 2020 in our rearview mirror, and I have to agree.
One thing you may be feeling lately is fragile. Your finances, sense of self, confidence in our social systems, routines, hobbies, and plans have surely been disrupted in some way. How can you build back your strength? How about starting to build resilience?
Resilience by definition is the ability to adjust to adversity, feel some control over your environment, and find a positive way to move forward. Here are a few tips to help build your resilience.
Personal
- Actively keep your friendships and family relationships strong.
- Volunteer to help others. This can be a great way to fill your time and resume if you’ve experienced job loss.
- Acknowledge your sad thoughts, but embrace your positive moments, too.
- Take care of your physical health with exercise, good food, and paying attention to your alcohol intake.
Career
- If you’ve been laid off or furloughed (or fear you might) search out online classes or certifications that will help in the job search.
- Revamp your resume, whether you need it immediately or not. Reach out to friends and colleagues to ask about your strengths. It will feel great because you may have forgotten how awesome you are.
Financial
- If your finances have taken a hit, pay off credit card debt first, build up your emergency fund to 3 month’s essential expenses, then re-start retirement savings. It doesn’t all need to happen at once – in fact it probably can’t, so give yourself a break.
- You may be avoiding looking at your stock market investments. Don’t live in fear! Contact your financial advisor for a review. Make sure you are in the right portfolio mix going forward, now that you remember what it’s like to lose money quickly.
Resilience is something some people seem to be born with, but unlike blue eyes, it’s something you can develop. What better time to work on your mental fortitude than now? Then you will really be ready for the zombie apocalypse!
