How to Build Resilience During Times of Change

If there’s one constant in life and leadership, it’s change. Careers evolve, industries shift, teams reorganize, and personal circumstances often surprise us. While some change is exciting, other change can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s unexpected.

That’s where resilience comes in. Resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges or pretending everything is fine. It’s about developing the inner strength, mindset, and practices that allow you to adapt, recover, and thrive during uncertainty.

In my 25+ years of leadership, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t a fixed trait. It’s a skill you can build, one that makes all the difference when you’re navigating transitions, whether it’s a career pivot, organizational change, or personal reinvention.

Here’s how to build resilience during times of change:

1. Reframe Change as an Opportunity, Not Just a Threat

Our first reaction to change is often fear. But change also opens doors we couldn’t see before. Resilient people ask: “What could this make possible?” By shifting your perspective from loss to possibility, you begin to see change as a catalyst for growth rather than a roadblock.

2. Strengthen Your Support System

Resilience doesn’t happen in isolation. Leaders who thrive during uncertainty surround themselves with mentors, peers, coaches, and communities that provide perspective and encouragement. Just like a marathon runner leans on the crowd’s energy, you can draw strength from your network during difficult transitions.

3. Focus on What You Can Control

Change often highlights what’s outside our control. Resilience comes from shifting energy back to what you can influence: your mindset, your daily habits, and your choices. Ask yourself: “What’s one small step I can take today that moves me forward?” This restores a sense of agency.

4. Build Recovery Into Your Routine

Resilience isn’t just about pushing harder, it’s also about knowing when to pause. Practices like exercise, mindfulness, journaling, or simply unplugging allow your body and mind to reset. In my coaching, I remind leaders that rest is not a weakness, it’s a resilience strategy.

5. Clarify Your Bigger “Why”

During times of upheaval, clarity of purpose becomes an anchor. Ask yourself: “What truly matters to me? What am I working toward beyond the immediate challenges?” A strong sense of purpose keeps you grounded when everything else feels uncertain.

Why Resilience Matters Now More Than Ever

We’re living in a world of constant change, from technological disruption to shifting workplace dynamics. Building resilience isn’t just about surviving the moment; it’s about positioning yourself to thrive in the future.

Resilient leaders don’t avoid change. They adapt, grow, and often emerge stronger than before. And resilience isn’t just for executives, it’s a skill everyone can benefit from, especially during midlife transitions, when questions of purpose, career, and identity often come to the surface.

Final Thoughts

Resilience is built one choice at a time: reframing change, seeking support, focusing on what you can control, prioritizing recovery, and staying anchored in purpose.

The good news? You don’t have to build resilience alone. Coaching can provide the tools, accountability, and perspective you need to navigate change with clarity and confidence.

👉 If you’re facing change and want to explore how to build resilience for your next chapter, I’d love to help. Book a Free Clarity Call and let’s start the conversation.