THE POWER OF RESILIENCE: OVERCOMING ADVERSITY AND THRIVING.

 

 

“Eventually, I made it.” This was what came out of Steve’s mouth when he got his letter. In 2016, after he had ended his secondary school education, Steve tried everything possible within reach to secure admission in different universities in Nigeria— the prestigious ones were his preferences until when life made fun of his endeavours in phases. Steve changed his mind-set and determined to attend any university, just to leave his parents house. A year, two years went by, yet Steve could not  secure an admission. He never had an idea on what could be the cause of the set back.

Following two years of continuous sought of admission, his parents advised  him to attend a seminary college which has affiliation with a prestigious university in Nigeria, with the hope of bagging a degree, the littlest. But that did not align with the type of institution which the youngster  had  mind.  Amidst the pressure from home, friends and parent, Steve held onto his stand,  stood his ground and determined not to compromise his resolve.

His resolution was not unconnected with  appearing in a Khaki Shirt and Trousers–a uniform made for graduates from Universities and Polytechnic colleges who had embarked on a year of National youth service. After all, He got an admission to his desired university; It was a wait worth it. His dream course.

Getting into his dream university and his dream course was a motivation to become better, study harder and be brave to  face any challenges that would  come his way.

Cynthia Wolf says resilience “is a strength that empowers us to persevere, adapt, and grow stronger through life’s ups and downs.” Hence, when we are faced with difficult situations which look like we might just not sail through, even when we are in circumstances that looks as if it will be the end of us, even when disappointments, failures, rejections swarm around us; giving up should never be the option. Amidst all options that exist, never should chance be given to given up. When one is able to face his/her adversity and overcome it, not only will such individual have a story to tell and audience to tell it to, but also such individual will become stronger, wiser, braver and more competent to face whatever comes the way.

Nonetheless, adversity, though seeming negative, is a pack of positivity therein.  This is why Eckhart Tolle notes that “Any action is often better than no action, especially if you have been stuck in an unhappy situation for a long time. If it is a mistake, at least you learn something, in which case it's no longer a mistake. If you remain stuck you learn nothing.”

Giving up should never be a solution, however, one must keep on trying until the expected end is visible. But One must note that in trying sometimes, help from outside is needed, therefore, seek advice from those who have passed through the same experience you are passing through. Read by reading extensively. Reading has been a therapy for a lot of obstacles and issues one faces, when you read, you learn and gather from the experiences of different people, understand how they navigated the path and what they learnt during the course. This will not only give you clue to how to overcome the Adversity, but  also be a form of encouragement for you to never give up.

Therefore, when you are in a situation that looks like the end to your career, business, progress; remember Lyndsay Rays words that “managing resilience is no joke, but that doesn’t mean we can’t approach it with a little humour. Remember to regulate your emotions, stay optimistic, be mentally agile, and show yourself some compassion.” And at the end of it all, you shall bounce out stronger and wiser.

WRITTEN BY:

JOSHUA OLADEBO 

OS/23B/0431