The 6 domains of resilience are an interconnected set of attributes that promote resilience. Build them collectively and you’ll have all the tools you need to overcome setbacks.
What comes to mind when you think of resilience? Toughness? Flexibility? What about collaboration? In order to build resilience, we need a clear idea of what actually contributes to it.
And we can achieve that by shining a light on the areas where we are strong, and those where we are weak.
Brigid Daniel and Sally Wassell designed the 6 domains of resilience, which is a group of interconnected characteristics, as a model to understand and to build resilience. The 6 domains are vision, composure, reasoning, tenacity, collaboration and health.
These 6 domains function independently, but they also influence each other. Our strengths may be able to compensate for our weaknesses, but only take us so far, because our weaknesses tend to undermine our strengths at the same time.
To build lasting resilience we need to develop each of the 6 domains, so that we are strong in all areas.
Vision
Vision is the first and most important of the domains. It’s your energy, goals and sense of purpose. It gives you clarity in a chaotic world and something to continually move towards.
Having a clear vision gives you hope for the future and protection from feelings of stress and anxiety. When times are tough, you have that light at the end of the tunnel to turn towards.
Take the time to craft a vision that fills you with energy. Then, talk about it, move towards it and continually feed those positive emotions.
Think about:
- What do I want for my life?
- What kind of work do I find meaningful?
- What body of work do I want to create?
- Who do I want to help, work with, hang out with?
- Where do I want to go?
- What would be the coolest thing to happen this year?
- Am i doing what I am meant for?
- What are my goals and how can I edge towards them?
Composure
When a crises hits, most of us lose our nerve. The fight-or-flight response kicks in and the emotions flare out of control. It could be in response to a layoff, a direct attack, or the loss of a loved one, but that first impulse is rarely a good one.
In fact, it often does more harm than good.
We can improve composure greatly through breath work and daily meditation. Learning to focus and find calm under stress helps us to manage the situation far more effectively. When we create space between the trigger and the response, we make better decisions, and establish a greater sense of control.
Reasoning
Our ability to see setbacks as learning opportunities is essential for continued growth. If we are creative and apply critical thinking, we are far more resilient to what is happening around us.
In order to develop our skills of reasoning, we want to look at problem solving, resourcefulness, and the most often ignored, scenario planning.
Take the time to consider the following questions:
- What are my options here?
- What can I do to improve this situation?
- What’s the cleanest and most effective route out of this?
- Is there something I’m not seeing yet?
- Do I know someone who could help with this?
- How can I prepare for scenario A, B or C?
- What tools do I need in place to prevent this from happening again?
Tenacity
Tenacity is the toughness component that’s most often associated with resilience. Your ability to dig in and keep pushing forwards, no matter how many or how big the setbacks.
You don’t get anywhere worth going without a high-degree of tenacity.
The first step in developing tenacity is to be realistic about the nature of the world and goal achievement. It’s difficult, it requires effort and nothing worthwhile is given. Obstacles are there to filter out those who don’t want it enough.
The next step, is to commit fully to pushing through the dip. Through countless setbacks we forge onwards, with continuous adjustments, and dogged determination, until we prevail.
Tenacity is a muscle that needs to be flexed continuously in daily life, for it to be powerful enough to rely on when we really need it.
Collaboration
Despite what most people think, resilience is not a solo effort. Our relationships and ‘collective mission’ impact resilience greatly. In fact, they are some of the most protective elements that we have in life.
Our outcomes, sense of security and overall well-being are all dependent on healthy relationships and skilful collaboration.
Explore your relationships with family, friends, co-workers and the community. Make the effort to build bridges, strengthen bonds and lend a hand to whoever needs it. If you have a giving, supportive and collective mindset, you’ll build solid foundations that you can all rely on.
Health
Good health & fitness improves our confidence and creates a positive self-image. When we feel good, we believe in ourselves and can handle stress more effectively.
Exercise, diet, meditation and sleep all play their part in building resilience. As do visualisation, affirmations and positive self-talk.
Try to create a daily routine that is optimised for health & fitness. Not your work, but your health & fitness. This will be a dramatic shift for most people, but it will make you far more resilient and productive over the long-term.
Each of the 6 domains of resilience can be enhanced through daily training and challenges. You’ll find that you are naturally strong in some areas and weaker in others, but all have room for improvement.
Resilience is a life-long skill that’s often required when you least expect it. Most crises, after all, come by surprise. Be prepared for whatever challenge lays ahead, by building well-rounded and pressure tested resilience.