In my previous career as a performer, I quickly learned the necessity of developing a thick skin. Disappointment was a regular phenomenon since I didn’t land every audition I pursued. But as I developed my resilience it also helped me hone my craft and focus on what I did have control over.

Resilience is a sought after competency by employers since change is everywhere in the career world and set-backs happen. I’m a big fan of the Marcus Buckingham strengths based career development philosophy and I recently read an online article on his TMBC website about building resilience, especially after a set-back. Here is a quick glance at Marcus’ resilience strategies.

1. Know that everything you are feeling is absolutely valid.
2. Give yourself time to feel your emotions deeply. Seek out friends or mentors who will listen to you objectively and help you work through these authentic feelings.
3. When you are ready to move forward and focus on something new, focus on life experiences that created positive emotions. Write them down – hold onto them and understand that these are the platform from which you will move forward.
4. Make an effort to do one activity each week that will provide an opportunity to create and celebrate your strengths.
5. Surround yourself with supportive companions and appreciate them.
6. Never let a crisis go to waste. Lock the valuable lessons and insights into your strengths as they will continue to serve you in your life. Ask yourself questions that will create positive emotional outcomes for you.

While set-backs and unexpected change can be difficult, the reality is that life will be full of these detours and we have choice about how we handle them. Honor your emotions, surround yourself with supportive people, and take away the best lessons you can from each experience to grow and move forward on your journey. If you can master resilience you can add that to your list of sought after strengths.