I have spent the last twenty five years of my life studying the lives of resilient men and women all over the world. Here is one of the things I discovered about them – resilient people are stoic!

The Oxford Dictionary defines a “stoic” person as one who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.

Let me tell you a great secret of life. Sometimes you will deal with pain and hardship in life. Unfortunately, most people are not prepared to face the challenges of life. I have always wondered why we were not taught the subjects of resilience and adaptability in school. Resilience and adaptability must be taught formally. They cannot be left to chance. It is not something you learn on the go. You must be taught. Did you know that there is a framework/ formula for resilience and adaptability?

I practiced law in California for many years. Can you imagine if I walked into a court room in Los Angeles to represent a client as an Attorney without going to Law School? It is the same thing with resilience and adaptability. You cannot give what you do not have. You must go to school.

Anyway, being stoic is part of the resilience and adaptability framework. Here is the bottom line. When you deal with challenges, no matter how painful they are, never give up. Keep moving even while in pain. Keep moving even if you feel sad and despondent. There is always a way out. Stay alive and you will discover a way out even if it takes a hundred years.

As I close, I am reminded of the book I read many years ago titled – “A Long Walk To Freedom, An Autobiography of Nelson Mandela.” Prior to reading that book, I always wondered how Nelson Mandela survived 27 years in prison. This man did more than survive!! He came out and rose to the highest office in South Africa as the first black president of the country. What an amazing feat. Let me ask you a question. Do you think Mr. Mandela was a stoic man? Please share your thoughts in the comments box below.

Written by:

CEO, Zolts Ltd, Chike Onyia, Esq.