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There are people who seem to weather every storm that comes their way. They get up when something unexpected knocks them down. They hope when the future looks bleak. In a word, we can call these people resilient. This is a quality that is often admired. We tend to want to be more like these resilient individuals. Is this something hereditary? Can we actually learn to be more resilient? The answer by experts that study human behavior is yes. We can take steps to become less rigid. We can practice certain behaviors until they hopefully become a habit.

Change Your Thoughts

The one major difference between resilient people and those that crumble under stress is the way they think and react. We do choose how we think of situations. Admit that change is inevitable. Try to find the positive in any situation. Take simple steps towards a better future. Bad thoughts and negative thinking doesn’t help. Positive thinkers are better able to handle hard situations. Try to catch negative thoughts. Change them to a positive solution. Practice this for at least a month. That is about the time it takes to form a habit.

Find Strong Relationships

It is always easier to go through hard times when there are positive and encouraging people that support you. It is important to nurture such relationships. Evaluate who is in your inner circle. Determine if they will be supportive when things are down. If your inner circle isn’t strong, act now to change this. Look for individuals that have the qualities of character that you most admire. Try to establish meaningful relationships that won’t crack when the going gets tough. Join support groups, talk to people at the gym, visit a church and just open yourself up to new friendships.

Plan Ahead

While it is not good to dwell on the bad things, it is wise to plan for what you can. If worried about losing your job, look into other employment options. Get further training. Keep money set aside if financial disasters are your worry. Look into retirement options, and even consult a financial expert on ways to save or increase your current income. Set realistic short term goals that lead up to a longer term goal. Keep your house and car in good repair. Think of ways to cut costs.

Journal your worries, and write solutions. Learn stress busting techniques. Exercise regularly. Keep your mind occupied when stressed. Learn coping mechanisms that work for you. Talk with a therapist to get emotionally healthy. Meditate or pray each day. Practice resilience in little setbacks until it is your first response.