Reframing Resilience: Embracing Adaptability in the Professional World
REFRAMING RESILIENCE: Has the word resilience become a buzzword that makes you cringe? Resilient people embody strength and flexibility; they grow when times are tough. Resilience is a valued trait embodied by successful people. In this ever-changing world, being “resilient” is now being used against us. Some organizational leaders create abusive cultures and simultaneously promote strength and resilience. It feels manipulative. Does this bother you as much as it does us? We have some thoughts...SHIFTING TO ADAPTABILITY: What might happen if we shift to different terminology? How does the word “adaptability” land with you? Does it create less internal turbulence and more of an open space feeling? Does your mind open up when you read it? Adaptability is frequently associated with being able to bounce back from stressful situations. It exemplifies engagement in life despite struggles and setbacks. As occupational therapy practitioners, we know first-hand that small shifts are powerful tools for overcoming obstacles. Humans can and do survive challenges, often creating thriving lives. CURRENT WORK TRENDS: Many professionals are faced with workplace stressors and challenges they don’t feel equipped to handle, leaving them feeling helpless and disconnected. Some of these include unrealistic work demands, poor-quality leadership, and complex client problems requiring more time and thought that is limited to no resources.
THE ULTIMATE RESULT: Professionals who know they can make a difference but don’t have the support to do so, feel frustrated and lost. People who were once thriving in their careers no longer feel capable of meeting their true potential. Many just don’t know where to turn! PRACTICAL WAYS TO BUILD ADAPTABILITY: Resources matter. Support counts. Here are a few helpful tips for creating a toolkit of adaptability that will reduce stress levels: Start by stopping. This will help you create some space for learning and growth. There is power in a pause. Allow your mind to ponder and be curious about possibilities. This leads to the next point...Develop a flexible mindset. Getting too caught up in our problems leads to mental stiffness and rigidity. Asking simple “what if” or “I wonder what would happen if” questions can open the mind to a different way of thinking. This helps us to embrace change and enhance problem-solving. This leads to our last tip...Cultivate a support network: Environment matters. Being with growth-minded people can bring guidance and support from different and unique perspectives. A strong network can help you navigate changes that lead to career satisfaction and mental well-being. FINDING A SOLID SUPPORT NETWORK: We know it can be challenging to find one that’s right for you. There are social media groups and online programs. These can be a good place to start. If you’re looking for a more personalized and interactive experience, we’re here for you. Our mini-course “The Aligned OT: Mood Harmonizers For Client Connection Part 1” is an interactive course for creating connections and building a growth mindset. You don’t have to feel disconnected, alone, and isolated-learn more about the course here or here.
All our support and encouragement,
Heidi MacAlpine and Debra Battistells
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Heidi MacAlpine, OTD, M. ED, OTR, is an author, podcaster, educator, and holistic healthcare practitioner with 35 years of experience working with children and their families, developing and implementing programs and interventions that help meet the individual and unique needs of her clients and the community. Her private practice, Align OT, based in New York, uses creative and meaningful evidenced-based and neurodiverse programs such as Safe & Sound Protocol, myofascial release, equine therapy, and yoga in naturalistic environments that stimulate and, entertain the eight senses, and aligns the nervous system, using Sensory Alignment Therapy ™, Unyte Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and Trauma- Informed Care. She has brought her tools and techniques into the community to educate, support, mentor, and supervise occupational therapy students from different institutions to further their understanding of the value of emotional and physical well-being through self-regulation and co-regulation to improve quality of life. One way this was achieved was by developing and integrating a wellness program to prevent burnout with a community partner at a fieldwork site. Email Heidi at Heidi.alignOT@gmail.com. Heidi's website: AlignOT.com
Debra Battistella, MS, OTR/L has 23 years of experience working in physical medicine practice with the older adult population and 8 years teaching and coordinating fieldwork in an occupational therapy assistant program. She has helped many teams develop programs such as Early Mobility in the ICU, Modified Constraint Induced Therapy & The OT"s Guide to Mirror Therapy for stroke recovery, as well as community-based wellness programs. Debra is the owner of Creative Concepts In Occupational Therapy PLLC, where she supports physical medicine occupational therapy practitioners via online training and programs. She is co-host of the Noggins & Neurons Brain Injury Recovery Simplified podcast which allows her to share her passion for the brain and neuroplasticity with survivors, their care partners, and healthcare professionals.
