Many historical figures we know for their exemplary lives share a character trait such as resilience. Perhaps one of the most notable examples is that of the American Helen Keller : the fact that she became deaf and blind a few months after birth did not prevent her from having a full life. She actively participated in the society of her time, from different perspectives. Her overcoming of adversity is worthy of praise.

Some people show signs of resilience without trying to do so; it is innate in them. But resilience is a personality trait with a wide spectrum: one can be anything from slightly to very resilient. It can be built, developed and improved with constant practice and application.

Developing resilience involves fostering certain attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that contribute to a more positive mindset. This is not to say that being realistic does not mean losing a positive mindset. Building a growth mindset allows people to believe that their abilities and intelligence can increase through dedication and continued effort.

This mindset encourages people to view obstacles and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers.

Knowing and regulating yourself: key signs of resilience

Learning to regulate emotions and developing emotional intelligence allows people to better manage their inner self and interactions with others. By increasing self-awareness and understanding their own emotions, people can more effectively manage stress, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook even in challenging circumstances.

Building a strong support system allows you to surround yourself with understanding and caring people who can provide encouragement, advice and assistance during difficult times. Additionally, seeking help from mentors, therapists or support groups provides guidance and the provision of techniques to effectively cope with difficulties.

Certain physical practices can also improve resilience. Exercising regularly or spending time meditating strengthens mental resilience. It empowers people to stay strong during difficult times.

These are the ten signs of resilience that stand out among people who practice it:

1. Positive attitude : One of the main signs of resilience is that people who possess this quality tend to maintain it, even despite challenging circumstances. They believe in their ability to overcome obstacles, for example during situations such as the Covid-19 pandemic .
2. Adaptability : They use flexibility and are able to adapt to changing situations. They quickly adjust their strategies when faced with setbacks to find alternative solutions.
3. Problem-solving skills : They are proactive in finding solutions to challenges. They tend to be resourceful, creative and think outside the box. The business environment is an ideal place to apply this .
4. Emotional intelligence and control : They are aware of their emotions and are skilled at managing them effectively. Emotional control helps build and maintain positive relationships. People who show signs of resilience tend to be more empathetic, understanding and respectful towards others. This is a great help for older adults .
5. Social support : They tend to have supportive relationships with others. They have a network of family, friends, or mentors who offer encouragement, guidance, and assistance during difficult times. It works as a predictor of psychological well-being in adolescents subjected to especially stressful situations.
6. Optimism : It allows them to maintain hope and persevere in the face of adversity. People who show signs of resilience believe in their ability to overcome challenges and see setbacks as temporary. Among teenagers, it is a strength for their development . The differential line between optimism and a positive attitude is sometimes very thin: optimism generates constant energy towards the good side. A positive attitude is closer to realism. It is assumed that not everything always goes in the right direction, but one is proactive towards improvement.
7. Self-confidence : They are confident in their skills and abilities, which helps them to face obstacles. They trust in their ability to handle difficulties and believe in their personal strengths. This is a key skill for young people .
8. Growth mindset : They embrace challenges and see setbacks as learning opportunities. They are open to new experiences and continually seek self-improvement. Very useful in entrepreneurial ecosystems. The book Entrepreneurship 360 addresses this sign applied to business ecosystems.
9. Self-care : Another sign that shows resilience is recognizing the importance of maintaining their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. They engage in activities that help them relax and recharge.
10. Proactive Mindset : They take control of their lives and actively work towards achieving their goals. They focus on what they can control and take anticipatory steps to overcome challenges rather than focusing on negative aspects or being passive. In uncertain environments like the current ones , it generates encouraging results to overcome ongoing challenges.

Author Bios: Simon Dolan Landau is Professor and Chair of Human Resources at Adventere School of Management and Pedro Cesar Martinez Moran is Director of the Master in Talent Management at Advantere School of Management / Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business both at Comillas Pontifical University