3 ways to cultivate resilience while working in global development

Whether you’re amid job applications, trying to expand your network, or playing the long game as you pursue your dream role, cultivating a resilient mindset is critical. There is a common idea of resilience as someone with a never-fading, happy-go-lucky attitude, but what does it truly look like? And how can we develop a more resilient approach in our everyday work lives? “I think that the biggest contributor to people's inability to be resilient is when you're isolated … not having a network [or] a community. I think [that] is the most important thing to try and avoid before you experience hard things,” said Jennifer Bangoura, a career coach and professor, during our recent digital event. Bangoura advised on several strategies for cultivating resilience and embracing setbacks. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion. Take advantage of stable periods Bangoura emphasized the importance of building a support network that can help you through the difficult periods that can arise during one’s career. The key is to put in the work when times are good so the support will be there later when you need it. Speaking about social support networks, “When I talk with job seekers about what they can be doing today to set themselves up for success in the short term and the long term, I think about how it’s just like planting trees,” Bangoura said. “There’s the quote about the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago [and] that’s the same with our relationships.” She suggested a practice of setting aside one day per month to reach out to at least five people with whom you want to maintain or grow a relationship. “That social support is really what helps all of us manage and make it through these tough times,” she added. Take action and set goals It’s common to feel helpless during difficult times. Bangoura advised that taking action is one of the best ways to counteract this. Action that takes the form of setting concrete goals that aren’t kept to yourself can be especially helpful. Whether it’s your job search [or] your relationship, you want other people to know what your goals are so that they can know how to support you, and that contributes to your resilience because then they can be there when the goals aren’t happening and celebrating the progress that you’re making,” she said. Bangoura suggested that if you’re comfortable posting about your goals on social media, that is one way to tap into a social support network. You can also share your goals and progress with a partner or close friend. “Having goals really does contribute to your ultimate success, and then when you are achieving the things that you set out to achieve, you’re going to continue to develop that resilience and be able to make it through the hard times that are inevitable,” she said. Accept the bad and tune into the good “Suffering is a part of life; it’s going to happen to all of us,” Bangoura said. “But when we know that suffering will happen then we aren’t going to be surprised by it.” Bangoura said it can be helpful to remember that bad things happen to everyone and that you’re not alone, but also to see the other side and appreciate the good things, including the “day-to-day small pleasures.” Logging these in a gratitude journal is one way to keep a balanced perspective that can be critical to weathering tumultuous times.