5 Strategies for Women Leaders to Harness Resilience and Rebuild Tenacity

After 23 years of marriage and raising three children, I found myself facing a devastating divorce.

To make matters worse, the support from my former church community was minimal; attending the services there became so uncomfortable that I left and never returned. I also left the city I lived in for eight years and moved somewhere new.

The pain was overwhelming, and I was unsure if I was going to survive or if the pain I was feeling would ever subside. But one thing I did know for sure: I was determined not to be defeated by the struggle.

This desire to keep going despite obstacles in my path has always been with me as early as I can remember. Surviving my grandmother’s mistreatment, being bullied in school, and my parents’ separation at an early age had ingrained in me this drive to push through all the barriers that I encountered.

These experiences were instrumental in helping me to develop resilience and tenacity.

At that young age, I didn’t think about it that way – I didn’t connect my ability to overcome obstacles with resilience and tenacity. All I knew was that whatever I started, I finished, and whatever setback I encountered, I didn’t let it deter me from reaching my goals.

So in the wake of my divorce, I moved to that new city, and I found a supportive workplace environment and church community. I found solace and strength in the Bible, and two transformative books by Dr. John C. Maxwell—The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth and Intentional Living. I leaned into growth and continued to develop my resilience and tenacity.

And as a result, I flourished in this new phase of life. I was promoted twice, bought my first home on my own, got my doctorate degree, and bought my dream car, which I recently paid off in full.

Leveraging Resilience and Tenacity to Transform Adversity into Success

In a world that constantly challenges our inner strength, resilience has become a key factor in determining success and well-being. And for women, who often face unique societal pressures and obstacles, cultivating resilience and tenacity isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.

What are resilience and tenacity? To harness resilience and tenacity effectively, we must understand what they are and why they are so important. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from adversity; it’s about adapting, growing, and emerging stronger from life’s challenges. And tenacity is the refusal to give up or be defeated despite challenges and obstacles. It is different from resilience, but it works together with resilience to help us achieve things we sometimes think we can’t. Think of resilience as a giant sequoia tree and tenacity as its roots.

There are many strategies that can help women leaders harness their resilience and rebuild their tenacity, empowering them to face adversity with unbreakable resolve. Here are five strategies that have helped me – and my hope is that they will help you too.

1. DEVELOP SELF-AWARENESS.

Self-awareness is knowing who you really are, and it’s one of the most important strategies in becoming resilient and tenacious. Once you are aware of your strengths, weaknesses, and values, you will be able to identify when things are difficult, and what adjustments you may need to make to overcome the obstacles and challenges that you are facing.

Developing self-awareness also involves accepting who you are while at the same time being cognizant of what you need to do to grow as a person. Contrary to popular belief, self-acceptance doesn’t have to mean complacency. Being self-aware can put you on a trajectory to self-improvement, which equips you with the tools needed to be resilient and tenacious.

2. COMMIT TO A STRONG BELIEF IN SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF.

I attribute my ability to navigate the difficult experiences in my life to a strong belief in someone bigger than me – something outside of myself. For me, that’s God. Being resilient and tenacious doesn’t mean that you have all the answers. What it does mean is that if you have questions, or if you don’t know what to do, or if you don’t know where to go next, you’ll know you have somewhere to go to find all the answers.

My belief in knowing that God had all the answers, knew what was best for me, and loved me unconditionally, gave me the strength to overcome each obstacle I encountered. You may not believe the same way I do, but to harness resilience and rebuild your tenacity, you will need the help of something bigger than you. Who or what is that for you?

3. CULTIVATE A POSITIVE MINDSET.

A positive mindset is the cornerstone of resilience and tenacity. It involves seeing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. It also allows you to put a positive spin on things that are negative. For instance, me leaving my hometown was disheartening, but living where I am now allowed me to thrive because of the support I receive from my colleagues and from the members of my current church community.

One way to cultivate this mindset is through the practice of gratitude. Regularly reflecting on things you are thankful for can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in your life. You can accomplish this by keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re grateful for each day, practicing positive affirmations to reinforce self-belief and confidence, and surrounding yourself with positive influences, such as uplifting books, music, and people.

4. BUILD STRONG SOCIAL CONNECTIONS.

Having a network of caring friends, family, and colleagues can provide the emotional support needed during tough times. These connections offer not only a sounding board for your concerns, but also practical assistance and different perspectives on dealing with challenges. A safe and strong social circle provides the perfect environment for building up tenacity and resilience.

So, take the time to nurture relationships by scheduling regular catch-ups with friends and family. Join community groups or online forums where you can connect with like-minded individuals, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help or offer support to others in need.

5. PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION.

Being kind to yourself during difficult times is essential for resilience and rebuilding tenacity. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same understanding and care that you would offer to a friend. It helps reduce self-criticism and promotes a more balanced perspective on personal challenges.

It also includes engaging in self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation. For me, that includes taking a vacation in a hotel on the beach every three months to relax and rejuvenate. Other things you can do to practice self-compassion include acknowledging your efforts and progress, even if they seem small. So, take yourself out to dinner or take a long walk in the calm of the evening and enjoy the peace that can come with caring for yourself.

Resilience and tenacity are not traits that people are born with or without. They are skills that can be developed and strengthened over time. By practicing these strategies, women leaders can develop the unbreakable resolve to face any challenge that comes their way and emerge stronger and more empowered than ever before.

What are you doing today to develop your resilience?

Enhanced awareness. A sense of purpose. A positive mindset. Improved relationships. Kinder self-talk. These are the tools you can use to prepare for and grow through life’s challenges, and the Maxwell Leadership Growth Plan can help. Dive into courses like John Maxwell’s 15 Laws of Growth, What is Intentional Living?, Relationship Pillars, and join weekly coaching calls with growth experts to keep you progressing on your personal development journey. Join today for only $29 a month!

About Dr. Charlene Bolton

Dr. Charlene Bolton is the founder of Genesis Leadership Consulting Group, LLC and is a Maxwell Leadership certified team member specializing in speaking, coaching, training, and facilitating DISC.

Dr. Bolton has more than 40 years of speaking experience and more than 25 years of experience in leadership, teaching, training, consulting, and coaching within the public, private, and religious sectors. She has led major organizational changes to increase employee satisfaction and improve organizational culture. Dr. Bolton has conducted research in organizational culture and its effects on the retention of millennial employees. Her areas of focus include personal development, leadership development, and leading and managing organizational culture. Dr. Bolton works with leaders to improve their leadership skills, confidence, and self-awareness.

She holds an EdD in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Science in Education, and an Advanced Certification in Guidance and Counseling. Additionally, she holds a Master of Medical Science and a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.