Resilience to Triumph: Grit–Fuel Your Life

Life throws curveballs. But you can choose to dance with adversity, emerging stronger each time.
During my time at INSEAD B-school, I authored a thesis on Resilience and Change Management in 2020. The topic struck a deep chord, particularly as I penned my thesis, I found deeper appreciation for my growing years as an Army officer’s daughter. Navigating disruptive changes due to transfers, 9 schools in 12 years, traversing the country – I discovered these upheavals were the birth-place of my resilience, nurtured by my parent’s love – fortifying me for life’s tests.

While I revelled in the joy of this insight, I was tested yet again, when 2 weeks before my thesis submission a family member was potentially at risk of covid. In those early pandemic days, with uncertainties looming large, strict protocols and no vaccines, we passed every day in anticipation – only this time, I was aware of an inner capacity to deal with the challenge.

Very recently, we were recounting dad’s military experiences during his SG visit, only for me to see a towering pillar of resilience, my father. Imagine finding your dream purpose & life’s calling – that was the joy I saw in dad’s eyes recollecting his selection into the Indian Army. Donning the Army uniform had been his & my grand-dad’s life dream. Except that fate took an unexpected turn when dad was declared a medical category (for a rare congenital disease of the tongue, with no physical disability), halting his career prospects. Fast forward a few years, he waged courageously the looming risk of being re-deployed from the Army to a banking job, owing to the medical condition. Answering my question of what kept him going? He replied – 🌠 “Deep passion for the organization (Indian Army) I dreamt to be a part of always” 🌠 “Acceptance that Challenges are reality But Transient; putting my best effort despite the mounting odds” AND 🌠“Never giving up!”

In his life-story my father most beautifully embodied the principles from my thesis:
🌱 Resilience begets resilience, when failure is NOT an option
🌱 Accept inevitability of challenges – keep faith
🌱 Link Challenges to ur larger purpose, Reframe the challenge & take Control !
🌱 RESILIENCE matters! Acknowledge your expansive resilience reservoir within – it won’t let you down.

Seeing my resilience besides my father’s monumental strength humbled me (just as in this pic).

Final thoughts – dad served in the Indian Army 26 years, including Indo-Pak ’71 war, rose to a Lieutenant Colonel, living a life of honour that the Army offers. He served the organization he loved & decided not to leave even in the darkest of times.

Connect with me to talk of your current challenge, resilience or experience.