What is Your Resiliency Quotient?

From the heavy demands of a 24/7 world, the whiplash of political turmoil, to the care of aging parents, boomerang kids, and personal health challenges, there is much to test our resiliency. In fact, resiliency is becoming the theme of corporate meetings and church sermons.

Let’s first define resiliency as it relates to human. It is not, contrary to Webster’s dictionary, the ability to bounce back. That’s fine if one is a piece of steel or a willow tree. Rather, it is the ability to grow through challenge or opportunity and become wiser and/or stronger on the other side. In fact, resiliency is actually energy management. How do you maintain the energy to keep on “keeping on,” and what do you do to renew your depleted energy resources?

Try this assessment and see how you rate on the top four resiliency skills: adaptability, agility, laugh-ability, and alignment.

This is our Personal Resiliency Quotient (RQ) Assessment.

Directions: Circle the number that best describes your behavior.

Numerical Scale: 1. Never 2. Seldom 3. Sometimes 4. Frequently 5. Always

Adaptability: Finding multiple ways of thinking about a situation and people

• I seek different points of view                                                1 2 3 4 5
• I am generally an optimistic person                                       1 2 3 4 5
• I’ve handled challenges before and I can do it again             1 2 3 4 5
• I can look at a situation from many angles                            1 2 3 4 5
• I ask for help when I need it                                                  1 2 3 4 5
• I am willing to challenge “sacred cows”                                 1 2 3 4 5

Agility: being able to take action and respond with both speed (when necessary) and wisdom

• I take steps even if I don’t know all the answers                   1 2 3 4 5
• I am willing to try new things and take risks                          1 2 3 4 5
• I help myself and others celebrate small wins                       1 2 3 4 5
• I handle challenges in the past and can do it again               1 2 3 4 5
• I easily express gratitude                                                        1 2 3 4 5
• I exercise on a regular basis                                                   1 2 3 4 5

Laugh-ability: being able to find humor in life and taking time to “play”

• I believe in my ability to influence my attitude                       1 2 3 4 5
• People say I have a good sense of humor                            1 2 3 4 5
• I am able to laugh at myself                                                  1 2 3 4 5
• I take time to play                                                                   1 2 3 4 5
• I am generally a cheerful person                                           1 2 3 4 5
• I take time to engage in a “hobby”                                         1 2 3 4 5

Alignment: feeling that your work and life has meaning & purpose beyond self

• I am appreciated for what I do                                              1 2 3 4 5
• I make contributions that matter                                           1 2 3 4 5
• My core values drive my behavior                                        1 2 3 4 5
• People identify me with a greater cause                               1 2 3 4 5
• I have a strong support network                                           1 2 3 4 5
• I have a healthy lifestyle that mirrors my values                   1 2 3 4 5

Additional Resiliency Actions to learn and practice—if you so choose

I understand the value of meditation and mindfulness.
I know how to control the controllable and can let go that over which I have no control.
I choose achievable goals and can accomplish what I set out to do.
I forgive myself and others for not being perfect.

Directions for scoring: Add up your numbers and circle the total in each of the four segments.

Scoring legend

Score:
 100-120:  What a Rock! You’re on a hero’s journey! Now, can you help others?
 84-99:      Good resilience intentions. See what areas might need improvement.
 60- 83:     Ummm... time to get some help. In what areas can you get the fastest, most visible results? Build from there. Can you find a resiliency buddy?
 24-59:      Remember the dinosaurs? They did not bounce back.

This is your opportunity: which area will you work on first?