Written by: Jeremy Van Wert MFT MBA, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In a dusty Japanese Internment Camp in 1942, a father got on his knees and imparted wisdom to his son. The father had been a successful merchant with a highly trusted department store in Sacramento. He looked into his son's eyes and said "We did it before and we'll do it again. This war won't last forever. When it's over, we'll go back out there and build our lives again. Focus on who you are and what you want to be. Nobody can take any of that from you." He put his hand on the boy's face and said, "Anger and resentment won't get us through this. Putting our energy and thoughts into our future and plans will."
Recently I interviewed Jim Tabuchi, the son of that boy on my Mindful Mutiny podcast. Jim spoke of this focus on resilience as one of the themes of his family's pride. Jim's life and path have been guided by the principle that nothing in his life could ever be worse than what his father's family survived in the internment camp. Jim's lack of intimidation in the face of adversity provides him with an infectious calm that reassures those around him. He is unflappable.
The elements of resilience
Jim's grandfather refocused unnecessary emotions and ideas by focusing on what matters. While the internment of Japanese Americans was indefensible, Jim's grandfather chose to focus on meaning, future, and character. His guidance redefined his son's mindset and created a legendary moment in Tabuchi's family history.
The elements of this advice are the foundation of resilience. The person who isn't afraid to lose everything is the strongest person in the room. With this mindset, anxiety, fear, hypervigilance, and low self-worth cannot survive. Keeping a few specific things in focus at all times will create an invincible state of mind.
Being invincible
Strategy: Strategize and make tangible plans. Never rest in the same space for too long without putting building blocks into the future before you. This increases positivity, hope, and excitement for future adventures.
Spirituality: Care for your mind, body, and spirit. A regular practice of reflection, perspective, gratitude, and humility rejuvenates the soul and keeps you focused on the greater journey you're on.
Enthusiasm: Enthusiasm is infectious, attractive, and opens more doors than any keycard. If enthusiasm feels elusive, ponder why and make the changes you need to feel a sense of anticipation and excitement in your life. Your health depends on it.
Meaning: Without a mission, a meaning, and a 'why,' life becomes less colorful and inspiring. Find the 'why' in your life and live from a baseline of purpose and peace.
Anxiety and fear
Common in the current age of economic, political, and social instability are feelings of dread, fear, hopelessness, panic, anger, and despair. While there are plenty of objective justifications for anxiety including the changing job market, unstable economic conditions, and rising social strife, balance is essential to thrive and maintain ultimate mental and spiritual health. Fear, anxiety, and negativity put the breaks on your health, perspective, and influence. When you get caught in negative emotions, your overall health, sleep, and well-being will decline. Refocus quick!
Develop peace, perspective, and strategy
The most well-balanced people you'll meet are people with peace in their heart space. These people share a sense of intentionality and comfort with change and the unexpected. Any good financial advisor will recommend a diversified investment portfolio because no one investment can be consistently relied upon to demonstrate guaranteed returns. This is why a diversified investment portfolio is often called a "strategy." Building a strategy for peace of mind should be intentional and tangible.
Strategy: Every strong company builds a growth strategy. This strategy builds sustainable practices and does a thorough threat analysis to overcome expected obstacles. Do this with your life!
Perspective: What brings you perspective? Is it faith, family, experiences, travel, or something else? Is it a list of things? Perspective comes easy when your life is also a mission. Get clarity on this and stay focused on your purpose.
Peace: Build a practice of making space for peace, thoughtfulness, kindness, and optimism in the spaces you occupy. Practice gratitude, giving, and generosity, and be free with acknowledgments of others. This is where healing lives.
Being invincible
In my coaching practice, I combine several aspects of hope, strategy, sustainability, and encouragement. These are ancient principles spoken of by philosophers throughout the ages as the elements of a healthy and determined whole person. Socrates wrote, "True resilience is not found in avoiding adversity, but in facing it with wisdom, courage, and a commitment to the pursuit of virtue." Kierkegaard wrote, "The true measure of an individual's resilience lies in their ability to confront the depths of despair and uncertainty, to embrace the inherent contradictions of existence, and to emerge from the crucible of suffering with a renewed sense of self and purpose."
Be invincible by always planning for your next step and doing this out of a sense of pride and purpose. Chase despair away by embracing uncertainty as an aspect inherent to existence. Do these things and you will live with resilience, strength, and peace!
Jeremy Van Wert MFT MBA, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jeremy Van Wert is a renowned coach, licensed psychotherapist, and former CEO, celebrated for his transformative impact on personal development and mental health over the past two decades. Originating from a background of adversity, Jeremy discovered his potential in a revered musical performing organization, learning the value of resilience, personal strength, and teamwork. He later ascended to CEO, leveraging his deep-seated positivity and relentless pursuit of excellence to inspire others to transcend their perceived limits.
