Members Only | 12.12.24
Resilience: Cultivating Strength in Difficult Times
By Lisa Goodwin, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM
As I reflect on the year as NAMSS President, I am struck by all of the change in our industry. I have talked to MSPs who have lost jobs to restructuring and jobs being sent to other countries. We have seen health system consolidation and hospital closures. There is so much change going on in healthcare that it has become commonplace. But in the midst of all of this change, we MSPs need to look to the future and not forget how far we have come. From medical staff secretaries to vice presidents and beyond, we didn’t get here without being resilient.
Resilience is not just about surviving difficulties, but it is about thriving in spite of them. Resilience enables us to cope, adapt, and grow stronger. This involves a combination of mental, emotional, and physical strength, which together allow us to navigate through hardships and emerge with greater insight and the ability to handle future stress.
Research shows that there are a few factors that influence our ability to be resilient:
- Mindset and Perception: How we perceive and interpret challenges. People who view adversity as an opportunity for learning and self-improvement rather than as an insurmountable obstacle tend to be better prepared for those challenges.
- Social Support: Strong social connections are essential for building resilience. Studies have shown that people with robust support networks recover more quickly from setbacks. The NAMSS Connection Zone is a great way to build your community.
- Emotional Regulation: Resilient individuals often have a heightened ability to effectively manage their emotions. Emotional balance is crucial for facing adversity with clarity and poise. How is your emotional intelligence (EI)? EI is a skill and can be learned and developed.
- Adaptability: People who can adjust their strategies and expectations in response to changing circumstances are often better equipped to handle adversity.
While some people seem to have an innate ability to handle stress and adversity, resilience is not an all-or-nothing trait. It can be cultivated and strengthened over time through intentional practices:
- Building Strong Relationships: Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people can help foster resilience. Seek out relationships where you can both give and receive support. You might find this through becoming a NAMSS mentor or mentee.
- Developing Self-Awareness: Self-reflection is a powerful tool for resilience. Take time to assess your emotions, reactions, and coping mechanisms during difficult times.
- Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Exercise, nutrition, and sleep are foundational to emotional and mental health. Physical well-being supports resilience by enhancing mood and energy levels.
- Practicing Mindfulness and Stress-Relief Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help regulate emotions and promote clarity during stressful times. Regular mindfulness helps build a sense of calm and reduces the impact of stress.
- Setting Realistic Goals: Break larger goals into manageable steps. Celebrating small successes along the way can reinforce your sense of worth and provide motivation to continue moving forward despite setbacks.
- Fostering a Sense of Purpose: People who have a clear sense of purpose or meaning in life are more resilient. Whether it’s through work, relationships, or personal goals, a sense of purpose helps people remain grounded and focused on what matters most, even in the face of adversity.
Resilience is not just about bouncing back; it's about growing stronger and more capable with each challenge faced. It involves a complex interaction of mindset, emotional regulation, social connections, and the ability to adapt. While adversity is an inevitable part of life, resilience can make the difference between simply surviving and truly thriving. By understanding the factors that influence resilience and taking steps to build it, we can transform difficulties into opportunities.
NAMSS is resilient because of our volunteers and the community of people we serve. The New Year’s celebrations are just a few short weeks away. This year, I will be raising a glass to MSPs and our ability to be resilient in the face of adversity.
Thank you for an amazing year, and cheers to an even better 2025.
Lisa Goodwin, MBA, CPCS, CPMSM, 2024 NAMSS President