Resilience or Resistance? Rethinking Mental Strength at Work

There are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to be mentally strong, and these misconceptions do come at a cost to us, especially in times like these where the only constant is change.

When we believe mental strength is trying to push through, soldier on and keep a stiff upper lip, we tend to push our body and mind past their limits, we get stressed, overwhelmed, frantic and burnt out. 

When we believe strength is trying to get control of everything we tend to overthink, worry, ruminate and get caught in fear and negative thinking. 

When we believe to stay strong we should fight with, push away, escape or numb uncomfortable feelings like grief, fear, loneliness or anger, they get bigger and can lead to illness, anxiety, depression and feelings of emptiness.

And with all these coping strategies we gradually get more disconnected from ourselves. 

Mental strength is about reconnecting with that still place inside us that holds wisdom, calm, clarity, compassion and inner strength.

How do some people continually strive towards their personal goals year after year while others give up on them? How do those people stay strong and persevere when there is so much stacked against them?

Mental strength involves specific practices that help us;

• Regulate emotions in healthy ways

  
  

• Work with thoughts with skill

  
  

• Let go of negative rumination and chronic worrying

  
  

• Live according to our values

  
  

• Lead with love instead of fear

  
  

• Unlock our potential so we can be the best version of ourselves

  
  

It’s easy to talk about resilience — but in the real world, it often looks quieter than expected: holding a boundary, asking for help, or choosing rest over reaction.

Coaching offers a reflective space to explore what resilience truly means for you — not just as a concept, but as a lived, sustainable practice.

Together, we can uncover the skills, patterns, and support structures that help you restore clarity, navigate pressure, and grow from a place of steadiness.