Last week I had the honor of being in the room with 249 brilliant, dedicated and dare I say, resilient administrative professionals. The speakers were tasked to share different strategies in resiliency. Here’s what I learned from some of the speakers:
When you experience a setback, come back stronger.
When I think about every time I wanted to throw my hands up in defeat, the very act of getting off the floor made me stronger. We have all faced some obstacles, that in the moment, appeared impossible to overcome. The moment you make the decision not to quit, is the moment you become stronger than you were before.
If you don’t lose something, you might never know what else can be created.
When you let go of the idea that losing is bad, you can embrace the idea that you are making space for something new and possibly better. MUCH better.
We are not entitled to easy.
You are going to face some challenges. You are going to stumble on some hurdles. Who told you that this thing called life was going to be easy? Instead of asking, “Why me?” declare “Why not me!” Nothing worth having often comes easy.
You can’t ride two horses with one behind.
Simply put, you can’t focus on two things at the same time. Either you are going forward or you are going to stay still. You can’t say you want more but give excuses why you can’t achieve it.
We are who we are because that is who we are supposed to be.
This one really spoke to me. There are times that I question myself and the woman I’ve become. I have a quirky personality that loves serving others but needs to have solitude. I’m an introvert with an outgoing personality and that can cause some confusion until I explain, “It’s not you, it’s me. I need some space.” What I have come to realize is that because of my nature to serve, it is also necessary for me to have time to regroup and recharge so that I can give 100% the people I love and serve. I’m exactly who I am supposed to be.
You don’t know what you are capable of if you don’t try.
I’m still working on my facial expressions whenever people express doubt in their capabilities to me. I usually take a deep breath and ask, “Sweetie, have you tried it yet? No? Then don’t sit there and tell me it can’t be done.” There are so many things that I didn’t think I was capable of until I tried. Even when you are terrified at the possibility of failing, DO IT ANYWAY. You might surprise yourself and exceed your dreams.
With love,
Great article Ayanna!
Thank you Pierre!