The Whittaker Group Blog Bouncing Back for Professional Success

Most of us think of resilience in the context of serious life challenges, such as the death of a loved one, loss of a job, or catastrophic medical diagnosis.However, sometimes everyday stresses such as big projects, or demanding academic or professional requirements can cause us to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Even if no significant life-altering event is involved, we occasionally need strategies to "bounce-back" in order just to get things done.What are some tips that can help you recover during stressful times?Lean on your support network: If certain people in your circle are not supportive of your efforts, look elsewhere. Find another relative, friend, or co-worker who can help you stay positive, and give you a little boost when things aren't going well. We all need a confidante who can reassure us that things will be okay!Keep things in perspective: You may not have given the best presentation of your life, but there will be many more future opportunities for you to impress your boss. Once you identify an area of need, seek professional support to hone your skills. With a little coaching, you public speaking skills will improve, and your confidence will get a leg up as well. Trust your gut: When you have encountered a set-back, it is easy to doubt your instincts and ability to solve problems. However, you got where you are because of your unique talents, and they will serve you well again, once you get over this little bump in the road. Re-frame your thinking: Negative thoughts are not helpful. I had a client who was writing a college essay about his experience in an international competition. He originally wrote, "Although I only got Honorable Mention...." Following a brief discussion of what an honor it was to get any recognition, I was able to get him to edit his sentence to: "I was proud to receive an Honorable Mention acknowledgment...." Changing his attitude about his award increased his confidence, and shaped the way he described it to others.Take care of yourself: This may sound trite, but when you are feeling down, it is important to do whatever you can to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Be sure to eat nutritious foods, grant yourself a little "me-time," to do what you enjoy, and ensure that you get adequate rest. It is hard to "get back on your feet," when you are not taking care of yourself. As they say, Life Happens! Learning how to keep a positive outlook will help you move on quickly and successfullly from whatever challenges come your way.If you need help with professional writing, public speaking, or speech and communication challenges, contact us at: wg@prospeech.com. We can help remove some of the roadblocks in your way.