Learning from Childhood Resilience: Insights for Business Owners
Resilience is a valuable trait that enables individuals to overcome challenges, adapt to adversity, and thrive in the face of uncertainty. It is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook despite adversity. Resilience is not about avoiding or eliminating difficulties; rather, it is about developing inner strength, emotional agility, and a problem-solving mindset to effectively cope with and recover from setbacks.
There is no doubt that humans have always needed to develop the skill of resilience, and no more so, than since March 2020, when life as we had known it pushed us to new arenas.
But how do we develop resilience in ourselves and our children to prepare them for what comes next?
What is resilience and why is it important?
As a mother, nana, past teachers, human, business owner and curious soul, I decided it was worth investing some time in thinking more about about this, after connecting online with Bernie Landels, author of “Finding their feet- Every parent’s guide to milestones and movement”. I knew I wanted to continue the conversation.
Bernie Landels, is an experienced educator, speaker, health practitioner, and author of 'Finding Their Feet,' with the focus on understanding resilience and its development over time. Bernie brings her extensive knowledge of the human body, clinical and life experiences, along with scientific research, to shed light on the significance of resilience in our lives. She believes that good health and well-being start at the feet from where our central nervous system develops.
The Missing Piece: A Lack of Understanding about Our Bodies
Bernie highlights a concerning observation: people often know more about operating their car or phone than they do about their own bodies or the bodies of their children. This lack of understanding creates a gap in fostering resilience and well-being from an early age. Bernie stresses the importance of providing children with a solid foundation by focusing on experiences during the first year of life and beyond.
The Power of Freedom and Movement
One aspect Bernie emphasizes in resilience-building is the freedom of movement. She passionately argues that children should have the freedom to move and explore their bodies in a natural and uncontained world. This journey of discovering their feet and learning to walk is filled with moments that contribute to building resilience. Through unrestricted movement, children develop physical strength, coordination, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence.
The Role of Connection and Pre-Birth Bonding
Bernie emphasizes the significance of connection between parents and babies, starting before birth. Establishing a strong bond and fostering a sense of security lays the groundwork for resilience. The pre-birth period sets the stage for the journey of resilience that continues throughout a child's life. By nurturing a supportive and connected environment, parents can positively influence their child's ability to face challenges and bounce back from setbacks.
These insights have implications beyond childhood development—they can also be valuable for business owners.
Resilience is a vital attribute
In the world of entrepreneurship, resilience is a vital attribute that allows business owners to overcome obstacles, adapt to changing market conditions, and persevere in the face of uncertainty. By reflecting on the importance of freedom and movement, business owners can find inspiration in the concept of exploring uncharted territories and embracing change.
Similarly, the emphasis on connection and pre-birth bonding can be translated to business relationships. Building strong connections with customers, partners, and employees fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, enabling businesses to navigate challenges and setbacks more effectively.
6 Reasons why resilience plays an important role in life
In our personal and professional lives, resilience plays a crucial role for several reasons:
1. Coping with Challenges: Life presents us with various challenges, both big and small. Resilience equips us with the ability to navigate these challenges and bounce back from setbacks. It enables us to face adversity head-on, find solutions, and keep moving forward.
2. Adapting to Change: Change is inevitable in life, and those who are resilient are better equipped to adapt to new circumstances. Resilience allows us to embrace change, adjust our strategies, and seize new opportunities that arise. It enables us to stay flexible and open-minded in the face of uncertainty.
3. Maintaining Mental Well-being: Resilience plays a crucial role in maintaining our mental health. It helps us manage stress, handle pressure, and maintain a positive outlook even during difficult times. Resilient individuals are better equipped to cope with setbacks, reduce anxiety, and foster emotional well-being.
4. Achieving Goals: Resilience is closely tied to goal achievement. When faced with obstacles or setbacks, resilient individuals persist and remain committed to their goals. They see setbacks as temporary roadblocks and use them as opportunities to learn, grow, and find alternative paths to success. Resilience fuels perseverance and determination.
5. Building Strong Relationships: Resilience also influences our relationships. When we demonstrate resilience, we inspire and motivate others. We become role models for those around us, fostering a sense of trust, support, and collaboration. Resilience strengthens our ability to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and maintain healthy connections. It enables us to navigate challenges in relationships and overcome obstacles together.
6. Professional Success: In the business world, resilience is a critical factor for success. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals who possess resilience are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the market, recover from failures, and adapt to changing circumstances. Resilience allows individuals to persevere, innovate, and seize opportunities, ultimately driving long-term success. It enables them to stay resilient in the face of setbacks and remain determined in achieving their business goals.
So what have we learnt from this conversation and connection?
Bernie encourages us to commit to nurturing resilience from the very beginning – one child at a time because by prioritizing resilience-building moments, and empower children to develop the strength, adaptability, and tenacity they will be better equipped to face life's challenges for wherever their path takes them and the challenges they may face in life’s journey.
And it illustrates the importance of learning from experience and knowledge of others, with professional experience unlike our own , to help us understand that the time we invest and the contribution we make to others, can be a powerful investment in the well-being and future success of our children , and all individuals.