Resilience is more than just bouncing back from setbacks; it’s about thriving despite challenges. In today’s ever-changing world, cultivating resilience in young people is crucial for their social and emotional well-being. So, what exactly is resilience, and how can we help young people in our lives develop this critical skill?

Understanding Resilience

Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. It’s how we act, think, and feel when we face obstacles, big or small. While being resilient doesn’t mean avoiding stress or anxiety, it’s about learning how to effectively navigate through such experiences with strength and positivity.

Importance of Resilience

Building resilience empowers individuals to grow and learn from difficult situations. The African American educator and reformer Booker T Washington once said, “I have learned that success is not to be measured so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed”. Resilience enables us to face these obstacles head-on and emerge stronger and wiser.

“I have learned that success is not to be measured so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed”

African American educator and reformer Booker T Washington

Nurturing Resilience Through Social Action

At Global Social Leaders (GSL), we believe that social action is a powerful tool for building resilience in young people. Here’s how:

Foster Connections: According to Harvard Business Review resilience is not just an individual’s inner journey but is heavily enhanced by strong relationships and networks. They state that ‘People in our support systems can provide empathy or simply help us laugh and bolster our resilience by shifting perspective and reminding us we are not alone in the fight’. When young people engage in social action, they build connections with peers, mentors, and community organizations. These connections provide support, empathy, and perspective, which are crucial factors in navigating challenges. At GSL we support young people in creating these connections through virtual peer-to-peer connection events like trainings and check-ins.

Finding Purpose: Engaging in social action helps young people develop a sense of purpose. Helping young people feel that they are capable contributors and helping them feel a part of something bigger than themselves is important to developing their resilience. At GSL, we believe a crucial step to start taking social action is to identify ‘what matters most to you’. Through our trainings and feedback processes, we encourage young people to not only identify their purpose but also reflect on their purpose can bolster their actions.

Embrace Mistakes: Resilience grows from learning from mistakes and setbacks. Social action projects often expose young people to challenges and barriers. By creating a culture that celebrates progress and learning, rather than just success, we can help young people flex their resilience muscle. At GSL, we conduct check-ins to promote open conversations about failures creating a safe space for young people to learn and grow.