Boost Resilience with Realistic Optimism
How can you boost your resilience to have less stress when life (or work) throws Pear Shaped Events your way?
Achieving this feat might seem challenging, but it isn’t unattainable.
This post, based on the Vet Staff podcast episode “How to Grow Your Resiliency Quotient” (pt 3), hosted by Julie South, provides a roadmap for developing resilience.
Especially by adopting an optimistic realist perspective or as it’s often called, realistic optimism.
Julie gives strategies and tactics you can implement in your life so when things start going Pear Shaped you’re able to bounce forward stronger than ever before.
How to Boost Your Resilience with Realistic Optimism
The Power of Realistic Optimism
According to Julie South, Realistic Optimism isn’t about ignoring negatives and focusing only on the positive. Instead, it involves embracing positivity while recognising potential setbacks, and making effective plans to handle them.
As Julie emphasises, Realistic Optimists handle stress better and bounce forward more efficiently because they’re proactive in dealing with difficulties.
Everyone has “pear shaped events” in their life and / or at work – it’s being able to bounce forward from these events (stronger than before) that strengthen your Resiliency Quotient.
Practical Tools for Realistic Optimism
On the podcast, Julie South proposes that cognitive restructuring (and reframing) are key for enabling an Optimistic Realist attitude.
The process of cognitive restructuring starts with challenging automatic negative thoughts and focusing on more balanced ones.
Rather than ignoring negatives, the goal is to reframe them in a more optimistic, yet realist light.
Realistic Optimism in Veterinary Practice
What does this look like in the context of veterinary work?
In this episode, Julie provides practical examples, such as staff dealing with common challenges like animal injuries and staff burnout.
By viewing these challenges as opportunities for learning and displaying resilient behaviours, veterinary professionals can cultivate a highly resilient mindset.
She remarks, “Being a good vet or nurse is about doing one’s best and learning from each situation”
Techniques to Boost Resilience
Along with cognitive restructuring, Julie South offers the “three C’s” as a way to boost resilience: – Control what can be managed, view Challenges as opportunities, and stay Committed to the values you uphold in your work and personal life
Conclusion
Realistic optimism, a mindset that expects the best while preparing for difficulty, is a powerful tool for resilience.
As noted by Julie South in this episode of Vet Staff podcast, fostering this approach within veterinary practice holds the promise of not merely dealing with stress, but thriving in spite of it. With this insight, we hope to empower you in your efforts to boost resilience in your veterinary career
Remember, resilience is a lifelong journey, and with dedication and perseverance, you can build your own secret superpower and lead a more fulfilling life both at work and at home.
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Three Cs Research
Hardiness – Three Cs Background
VetClinicJobs – where good employers shine online and people who’re looking for their next job can find them.
Episodes Worth Listening to
ep 157 – Resiliency Quotient pt 1
ep 158 – Resiliency Quotient pt 2
ep 39 – 12 Statements Low EQ People Make
ep 40 – Emotional Intelligence – 6 Ways to Lead as an Emotionally Intelligent Leader
ep 145 – Exploring Social Intelligence – A Key to Personal and Professional Development
