Resilience 101: How to Train Your Mind to Handle Adversity
Summary
In this interview, Rond, a former brigadier general in the army and creator of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Initiative, discusses the importance of psychological preparedness and resilience training in handling adverse events. Rond emphasizes that resilience can be taught and practiced preventatively, rather than just in response to traumatic events. They suggest that parents and teachers are the best individuals to provide this education, and recommend measuring success by the desired outcome, rather than mere compliance with the program. Finally, the importance of focusing on specific behaviors or events rather than global self-judgments is highlighted as a key aspect of personal growth and improvement.
Table of Contents
- The Importance of Psychological Preparedness and Resilience Training
- Teaching Essential Social and Emotional Skills to Children
- Measuring the Effectiveness of Teaching Programs
- Learning Resilience and Applying It to Daily Challenges
- Societal Change and Policy Level Measures
- Gender Differences in Resilience
- Learning Resilience Through Books and Online Methods
Introduction
In today’s world, individuals are faced with a constant barrage of stressors and adverse events, be it personal or societal. However, when faced with these, some individuals are better equipped to handle them than others. This is where the concept of resilience comes in. Being resilient means being able to bounce back from adversity and being better prepared to face future challenges. In this interview, Rond, a former army brigadier general and creator of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Initiative, discusses the importance of psychological preparedness and resilience training in handling adverse events.
Q&A
The Importance of Psychological Preparedness and Resilience Training:
- Q: How important is psychological preparedness in handling adverse events?
- A: Psychological preparedness is a key component in handling adverse events. It is not just about being physically fit but also about being mentally ready and resilient. This is especially important in the army, where soldiers are often exposed to trauma and adverse events, but it is equally important for individuals outside of the army as well.
- Q: How do you differentiate between psychological preparedness and resilience?
- A: Psychological preparedness is about the proactive steps that one takes before an event, to be mentally and emotionally ready. Resilience, on the other hand, is about the ability to bounce back from adversity and grow from it. Psychological preparedness helps in building resilience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being resilient is an important quality to have in today’s world, and it can be taught and practiced preventatively. By focusing on psychological preparedness and essential social and emotional skills, individuals can better equip themselves to handle adversity and grow from it. Furthermore, societal changes and policy level measures can help in promoting a culture of resilience.
