How To Bounce Back from Crisis
If you have ever gone through the experience of bouncing back from a huge loss, accident or other disaster, you know what that can mean in terms of pain and recovery. How tired you felt, how much you lost, how overwhelmed it can seem.
I have watched people go through lost businesses, lost spouses, lost children and severe accidents, and still survive, and in many cases thrive. Their resilience was unbelievable. Sometimes all you can do is step back and applaud these people in their amazing efforts.
I watched one fellow lose his prime research position when a personal blow compromised everything he had. He did not give up. He tackled the personal problem first, throwing all of his energy and resources into it to solve it. Then, quite a bit later, he began picking up the pieces of the rest of his life. He never regained his earlier prominence, but he did succeed in getting his research back on track in a new position, and was able to continue his career.
If this sounds familiar, or you have gone through your own crisis, you probably have some good advice to give too.
BBC.com suggested taking simple steps: Look forward, not back. Have a clear sense of purpose. Develop a personal network of supportive people outside of work. Find the bright side of failure.
I think we would all ask, is there a bright side to failure? But honestly we might have to admit the lessons learned in crisis are really often deeper, smarter ones than we would have learned anywhere else.
Another suggestion, in addition to BBC’s guide, I would suggest finding additional things in life, hobbies, goals, interests and connections, that you can jump into when you need relief from the struggle. Also spend time with your family and your pets, enjoy the little moments.
One fellow that I know took up surfing when he lost his business. He kept going and built a new business, but those surfing breaks may have given him the will to rebuild.
As you find your way back, and if you are determined, you will, you will need some little spaces to completely distract you. Those brief refreshing diversions will help you restock your energy and then rejoin the fight.
Whatever route you take, if you look around, you will find many successful people with similar stories, who went up and down the ladder before they found a permanent rung.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Sara Löwgren
