9 Resilience-Building Strategies for Young Adults Transitioning into a New Phase of Life
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9 Resilience-Building Strategies for Young Adults Transitioning into a New Phase of Life

Building resilience is crucial as young adults step into a new phase of life. We’ve gathered nine invaluable pieces of advice from CEOs and founders to guide you on this journey. From learning to embrace daily challenges to understanding how to build financial resilience, these insights offer a comprehensive guide to fostering resilience.

  • Embrace Daily Challenges
  • Prioritize Mental Health
  • Exercise Regularly
  • Invest in a Support Network and growth mindset
  • Focus on Altruistic Impact
  • Cultivate Self-Awareness and Confidence
  • Confront Issues Proactively
  • Establish a Strong Career Path
  • Build Financial Resilience

1. Embrace Daily Challenges

One thing I did as a teenager, which built my resilience in every area of my life, was doing something hard every day. I would do little things that pushed me out of my comfort zone, like taking a cold shower, adding an extra set to my workout, or completing a dreaded task.

These small, daily challenges taught me I was capable of more than I thought. My mind would scream, “I can’t!” but I pushed through anyway. And you know what? It got easier each time.

These minor efforts made me realize that resilience is built through consistent practice. My mind wanted to stop before my limits were truly tested. But by living with this “one hard thing a day” mantra, I built mental toughness.

With daily practice, you’ll gain the resilience to handle bigger challenges. The key is not to let fear hold you back from doing, trying, or risking failure. Embrace growth opportunities when they arise. Your resilience muscle will strengthen with every rep.

Sophia Victoria, Editor and Founder, Sophiv.com

2. Prioritize Mental Health

With each new phase in life comes exploration and, sometimes, confusion, which means that taking care of your mental health should always be of the utmost priority. Setting boundaries, checking in on yourself, and actively maintaining and improving your mental health is an essential part of growing up and maturing.

The more you can care for your mental health, the more well-rounded you’ll be towards yourself and others.

Nicholas Mathews, CEO, Stillwater Behavioral Health

3. Exercise Regularly

One effective way for young adults to build resilience as they transition into this new phase of life is through regular exercise. Engaging in physical activity has numerous physical health benefits and contributes significantly to mental and emotional well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, which can help reduce stress and boost overall resilience.

My specific tip is to find a form of exercise that you genuinely enjoy, whether hiking, dancing, or practicing yoga, as this will make it easier to stick with and become a consistent habit. Building resilience is an ongoing process, and incorporating exercise into your routine can be a powerful tool in strengthening your mental and emotional fortitude as you navigate life’s challenges and transitions.

Rhianna Jones, Registered Nurse, CanXida

4. Invest in a Support Network and Growth-Mindset

Investing in a strong support network is vital. Engaging with mentors, peers, and professionals who provide guidance, support, and perspective can help young adults navigate challenges more effectively. Additionally, adopting a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for development, fosters resilience.

Aviad Faruz, CEO, Know Mastery

5. Focus on Altruistic Impact

Young adults can build resilience as they step into this new phase of life by changing their mindset from “What can I get out of life?” to “How can I create a positive impact in life?

For instance, instead of stressing about what job they should take next for the most security and stability, young adults should focus on how their skills and energy could best benefit others. Doing charitable work or getting involved in something bigger than themselves (e.g., volunteering at a shelter or providing free tutoring) helps promote mental well-being and cultivate internal strength, freeing them from anxieties driven by external expectations.

Michael Alexis, CEO, Virtual Team Building

6. Cultivate Self-Awareness and Confidence

It’s essential to build a strong sense of self. When faced with failures and setbacks, it helps to be grounded in who you are. This way, challenges become opportunities for growth and learning. Building resilience comes from having self-awareness and confidence, empowering you to dust yourself off and keep moving forward.

Loren Howard, Founder, Prime Plus Mortgages

7. Confront Issues Proactively

Be proactive. As young adults venture into a new phase of life, confronting life’s challenges head-on is crucial. While it’s natural to feel daunted sometimes, evading difficulties isn’t the solution. Recognize them and establish a proactive plan.

Addressing issues promptly does more than just build resilience. It fosters a sense of accomplishment and bolsters confidence. With time, managing challenges evolves into a beneficial habit, promoting personal growth and grit. Adopting this proactive mindset aids not only in addressing current hurdles but also equips individuals to handle future challenges with poise and resilience.

Marco Genaro Palma, Content Marketing Manager, PRLab

8. Establish a Strong Career Path

To build resilience, start by laying down a strong career path. Your professional life often gives you the financial and emotional stability to face whatever challenges come your way.

Begin with a clear plan. If entrepreneurship is your calling, only jump in with comprehensive research and planning. For those leaning towards employment, focus on enhancing skills in high demand. Internships aren’t just a resume filler — they provide real-world experience and can connect you with industry insiders. And let’s not forget networking. It’s not about amassing contacts but forging meaningful relationships that could be your stepping stone to greater opportunities.

With a well-thought-out career path, you’re likely to avoid periods of unemployment or underemployment, making you financially and emotionally vulnerable.

Alex Freeburg, Owner, Freeburg Law

9. Build Financial Resilience

Financial resilience offers a buffer against the unforeseen challenges that life often brings. The foundation allows you to navigate emergencies or opportunities without derailing your long-term goals.

Building this financial stronghold doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by setting up an emergency fund. Aim to sock away enough to cover three months of living costs. Next, learn to diversify your income streams — whether that’s a side hustle or some smart investing. Finally, make it a habit to assess your spending routinely. Periodic financial check-ins allow you to redirect funds to savings or investments, ensuring that you’re making ends meet and progressively building your wealth.

Without a financial safety net, you’re just one emergency away from a mountain of debt and a heap of stress, and that’s a scenario you’d rather avoid.

Gary Gray, CFO, CouponChief.com

 

Take Action Today: Quick and Easy Steps to Build Resilience

Based on our experts’ advice, let’s turn those insights into actionable steps you can start today:

  • Do One Hard Thing a Day: Take a cold shower or finish a daunting task. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone.
  • Mental Health Minute: Spend five minutes meditating or journaling to keep a check on your mental health.
  • Sweat It Out: Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to physical exercise. Choose an activity you love!
  • Connect and Converse: Reach out to mentors or friends to discuss your challenges or share your achievements.
  • Give Back: Dedicate a small portion of your weekly time to volunteer work or other altruistic activities.
  • Self-Check: Regularly assess your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing yourself is the first step toward self-improvement.
  • Face It, Don’t Flee: If you have a problem, confront it. Write down the issue and brainstorm solutions.
  • Network Wisely: Attend one professional event a month. Networking isn’t about quantity; it’s about quality relationships.
  • Financial Check-in: Once a month, review your expenses. Shift some of your spending to a rainy-day fund.

Additional Information: Books and Apps to Boost Your Resilience

To help you even further on your journey towards resilience, consider diving into these additional resources:

Books:

  • “Grit” by Angela Duckworth: Explores the power of passion and perseverance.
  • “Resilience” by Eric Greitens: Offers practical advice for building resilience.
  • “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero: Focused on developing self-belief and confronting self-sabotaging behaviors.

Apps:

  • Headspace: Offers guided meditation sessions aimed at improving mental well-being.
  • MyFitnessPal: Helps you keep track of physical exercise and dietary habits.
  • PocketGuard: Assists in budgeting and building financial resilience.

With these books and apps, you can continue to explore resilience in depth, ensuring that you’re not just ready for life’s challenges but that you can thrive in the face of them.