Resilience, Endurance and Motivation : The Source

The Alaska Range - 2015

Alaska

Resilience

When the topic of human resilience comes up in writing or conversation, it’s natural to think about strength, toughness, adaptability, flexibility, etc. These attributes are commonly associated with an individual’s character, personality and is reflected in his responses to significant challenges.

In the course of your life, you may encounter major trials, trauma and perhaps tragedies. I refer to these as “life’s exclamation points.” They have in common that they often elicit resilience born of urgency and at times, the desire to survive.

Endurance

There’s another human quality that is the companion of resilience. The kind that is not readily evident in a person’s response to occasional crises. That attribute is endurance.

While resilience is a manifestation of flexibility, the ability to “bounce back,” endurance is the will to persist toward a grand goal, deliberately and purposely…sometimes over a long period of time. 

Endurance is a valuable attribute that serves as an antidote to distraction from the endemic cacophony of noise in our culture that’s devoid of meaning. It’s supported by a sense of purpose and the exercise of discipline applied to the pursuit of a noble goal.

The Fuel and the Source Within

What is the fuel of resilience and endurance?

It’s motivation.

What is the source of motivation?

It’s two sets of personal attributes that coexist. Each of us has the ability to identify, value and nurture them. These attributes reflect a strong sense of identity, meaning and the ability to express both in noble, grand goals, particularly in the service of others.

The First Set

This is comprised of your unique answer to three questions;

Who. Why. What? _TM

To know Who you are is to know your character.  That knowledge is consummated by adhering to the words of William Shakespeare as he advised in Hamlet, “To thine own self be true.” 

Clarity of Who you are gives rise to knowing your purpose, the Why of your life. To understand it precisely, favors its expression with enduring conviction.

Your clarity and conviction will naturally motivate you to find different, genuine ways to express yourself… your What(s) in life. 

When you’re clear about your character you will more readily discern the difference between Who you are and What you do. When you are committed to your purpose, you will more readily discover various ways to express it. As you do so, you will more fully fulfill your potential,  especially when you act in the service of others.

The Second Set

Whereas the above principles are philosophical truths, these attributes are practical expressions of them:

Clarity. Conviction. Courage. _TM

To describe them more fully:

Clarity of Identity. Conviction of Purpose. Courage to express it.

Beliefs and Actions That Serve Others and You

Each us has been endowed with gifts that when developed to their natural, full expression, form  key elements of realizing our potential. However, it’s a paradox that our potential is never really fulfilled, for as we develop, we grow more capable. That expands our potential even more.

We live and reach the age of maturity when have a pretty good sense of our character, purpose and how we express them. We seem to go through life aware of these attributes but not particularly conscious of them on a day-to-day basis. They guide us in dealing with matters small and large. It is when some of us experience triumph or tragedy that we reflect on our sense of self to guide us through those “life’s exclamation points.” This is also the case for all of us as we approach and experience our End of Career Transition. It is then that our understanding of self and our convictions are augmented by the wisdom we have developed to guide our paths.

So, look and listen. See yourself and hear your inner voice. Apply and develop these qualities further so that they may serve you and others.

Beyond that, bring this awareness to your spouse and children, that someday, they may teach your grandchildren. If your “kids” are now adults, teach by word and example. It is enlightening and amazing that their “internal recorders” are really constantly in record mode, even if you do not realize it.

This is an important way that great families, communities, states and our Nation will thrive and endure.

My best wishes to you and your family!

Updated: November 19, 2022

PS: Would you like to learn more about how to prepare yourself and your practice for the End of Career Transition? You may be in solo practice and wish to carry out a succession or outright sale; perhaps you are in group practice or are otherwise employed. I provide consulting/coaching services that are tailored to your specific needs. Click here to request a complimentary introductory conversation.

The Grand Teton and Range - 2022

Grand Teton National Park, WY