Training For Resilience

Resilience is a muscle.

And just like any other muscle, it needs to be trained. So how do we train it?

Think of it like this: The obstacle is the way. (You've probably heard that one before, huh?)

But let's break it down:

The beginning of our fitness journey is usually exciting, rewarding, and sometimes even fun...

But that feeling doesn't last. That might sound negative... but it's important to understand, and we wouldn't want to set you up for failure.

You will be tested. You will be challenged. You will have moments where you want to throw in the towel and retreat back to welcoming arms of your trusty comfort zone.

And if you never feel this way, you are probably leaving something on the table.

But when things get tough, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. In fact, it means you’re doing it right. Because the path to any meaningful goal isn’t smooth. It’s full of detours, delays, and discomfort. On the quest for self improvement, facing obstacles is the only guarantee—and how you handle them determines everything else.

Resilience isn’t a mindset that you can magically unlock. It’s a fork in the road you face over and over again. Its a choice that you continue to make. It's a muscle that needs to be trained.

To keep showing up, pushing forward, and aligning your behavior with your goals—even when it’s inconvenient.

And just like strength, resilience compounds.

When you push through once, it gets easier to push through again. It get's easier to navigate stress, fatigue, busy seasons, and setbacks... and before long, you stop letting those things define you.

Because now, they are part of the process. Not your excuse to abandon it.

Motivation will get you started. But resilience will get you through the finish line.

ACTION ITEM - HOW DO I BUILD RESILIENCE?

Here's a few ways you can start getting in reps towards resilience:

Emotional regulation: You can build this skill by practicing to pause before reacting. When you feel triggered—whether it’s frustration, overwhelm, or the urge to quit—take a breath, name the emotion, and ask yourself: “What does the best version of me do next?”

Flexible thinking: You can train this skill by catching all-or-nothing thoughts in the moment. Instead of saying, “I missed my workout, so today is a waste,” you practice thinking, “I missed my workout, but I can still take a 10-minute walk and prep a healthy dinner.”

Self awareness: This is the ability to observe your thoughts, habits, and behaviors without judgment—and with enough honesty to recognize what’s helping you and what’s holding you back. To build this skill, start by regularly checking in with yourself. Ask: “How am I feeling right now?” “What am I avoiding?” “Are my actions aligned with my goals?”

Delayed gratification: Building this skill starts with clarity: get clear on what you truly want and why it matters. When your long-term goal is meaningful, it becomes easier to say “no” to short-term temptations. Then, practice small daily decisions that reinforce your future-focused mindset—like prepping meals when you'd rather order takeout, or going to bed early instead of scrolling.