What are common obstacles in resilience development?
Written by
Robert Kelly
Reviewed by
Prof. Graham Pierce, Ph.D.Developing resilience involves encountering the same obstacles that test your commitment. These challenges arise for everyone, regardless of their starting point. I have helped clients navigate these exact obstacles by utilizing evidence-based neuroscience tactics. Recognizing these obstacles puts you in a better position to navigate through them when they appear.
Consistency becomes hard to maintain when the motivation levels drop. When life interferes or your energy level dips, your practice routine can be interrupted. This is your greatest test of commitment. In this instance, you should implement the two-day rule: you never let yourself skip practice for more than a total of two days in a row. This is a very effective technique to use because it keeps small breaks from becoming permanent stoppages.
Negative Thought Patterns
- Label automatic thoughts as passing mental events
- Replace catastrophic thinking with balanced perspectives
- Use evidence from past successes to counter doubts
Emotional Overwhelm
- Apply grounding techniques during emotional spikes
- Practice the 90-second rule without feeding emotions
- Create physical space from triggering situations
Progress Plateaus
- Track micro-improvements through weekly reflections
- Adjust strategies based on new challenge patterns
- Celebrate subtle shifts in response patterns
Plateaus in progress can be taxing on your patience, as it often seems that visible results are scarce at this point. Remember that during these times, neural pathways are consolidating. Track micro-improvements such as responding to frustrations differently or recovering from emotional drains more quickly. These indicators should be enough for you to confidently assure yourself that the neurological rewiring you are doing yourself is continuing.
When out-of-the-ordinary isolation periods are necessary, creative ideas must be implemented to maintain personal connections. When face-to-face meetings are not possible, virtual support groups can provide effective alternatives. Short, email check-in messages help develop or maintain needed communication connections. The protective factors can be emphasized when employing these types of approaches during times of social limitations. However small or insignificant the activity may seem, maintain the momentum.
Reframe obstacles as feedback messages rather than failures. Each challenge highlights where adjustments are needed. This evolves barriers into a state of learning opportunity. And with constant interaction, they become part of building deeper, sustainable resilience capacity throughout your journey.
Read the full article: 10 Resilience Building Strategies for Tough Times
