This week, I interviewed someone on my podcast who shared a profound reflection: “Don’t be resilient.” My initial reaction was disbelief. Resilience has always been a core value for me, especially in the world of entrepreneurship. But I listened intently, and what unfolded was a conversation that shifted my perspective.
Resilience is often defined as the ability to bounce back to one’s original state after facing adversity. While this might seem positive, it implies a return to the status quo, ignoring the lessons and growth that come from hardship.
For me, embracing vulnerability has opened my eyes to the fact that life’s challenges shape and change us. Just like fear protects us from danger, these “deformations” can become valuable defenses.
Imagine enduring a series of blows while trying to remain resilient. Wouldn’t it be wiser to learn from the first hit, adapt, and minimize the impact of subsequent ones? I prefer learning from my experiences, growing from my struggles, and evolving as a person. Resilience suggests rigidity and stagnation, while I strive for constant transformation.
So, I’m letting go of resilience. Instead, I embrace courage. I am choosing to be open to change, to learn from my wounds, and to become a stronger, more informed version of myself. I want others to recognize that their actions will have a lasting impact on me, shaping who I am.
I want people to understand that I am not simply someone who can endure anything and return to my former self. That attitude allows others to walk all over you. I am not resilient. I am courageous, and I will continue to grow and evolve, embracing the changes that life throws my way.
