Chapter 2
Productive Response
Patterns That Move You Ahead

How You Can Overcome Difficult Times

Two Types of Individuals Who Overcome
& Grow thru Difficult Times

There are two types on individuals who overcome and grow through challenges and difficult times. They are (a) Resilient people and (b) Optimisticpeople

A. Patterns You Can Learn
from Resilient People

Resilient people know how to superbly handle problems and hard times. The trait of resilience means you are better able to cope with difficult times, challenges and unexpected events. This means you not only cope better - but you also find a way to resolve it. Resilient people seem to naturally draw on past experiences, and as a result. they learn how to overcome their current situations. They have survived adversities in the past and lean on the lessons they learned to overcomeproblems.

Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, tragedy, and ongoing stress in various areas of their lives. According to the American Psychological Association, resilience involves rebounding from difficult experiences. Doing this also can result in profound personal growth for the individual. ‘While adverse events can be painful and difficult, they don’t have to determine the outcome of your entire life. They understand that there are many aspects of their life they can control and change.’ Becoming more resilient not only helps you get through difficult circumstances, but it also empowers you to grow and improve yourlife.

Importantly, resilience involves certain behaviors, thoughts and actions that anyone can learn and develop. They have some skills similar to optimistic people—which we will discuss in the next section—and you can also learn fromthem.

Key Traits& Ways You
Can Become More Resilient

+ Acceptance of theSituation

Resilient people tend to practice acceptance of a situation. They don’t deny there is a crisis. However, they accept the situation facing them instead of fighting it. They confidently appear to understand and accept their reactions to it. They face the uncertainty and feelings of uneasiness or worries. However, they do not get stuck there, and they understand the need to let go and moveon.

+ Accept Need to MakeChanges

Resilient people know they cannot always control all events or circumstances surrounding them. However, they know they can choose and control how they react. They will not deny the situation and their feelings, but they appear