Why Embracing Change Can Be More Effective Than Resilience
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Resilience Trend
Recently, I moved on to the next phase of the application process for a position at a law firm known for its "innovative culture" and "advanced technology." To their credit, the experience was quite engaging. I downloaded an app that featured various games designed to assess skills such as attention to detail, quick thinking, and memory.
One particular game was quite challenging. It involved a semi-circular shape with an arrow that swung back and forth like a windshield wiper. The background was green, and certain areas were marked in red. The objective was to hit a button when the arrow entered the red zone. The more I succeeded, the faster the arrow moved, and the smaller the target area became.
The game clearly aimed to evaluate the candidates' resilience. I assumed that the longer I persisted, the more favorably I would be viewed.
However, I did not progress to the next round. When the HR team reached out, they informed me that while I was in the top 5% regarding resilience, this was not necessarily a positive outcome. They emphasized that knowing when to quit can be just as crucial as perseverance.
For days, I worried about this feedback. What if they perceived me as obstinate? Their explanation was enlightening. Sometimes, the potential benefits of continuing in a situation do not outweigh the opportunities that arise from letting go. This phenomenon is known as the sunk cost fallacy.
Section 1.1: The Rise of Resilience in Work Culture
The pandemic has intensified a trend that glorifies resilience as if it were the new standard for passion in the workplace:
"In today's work environments filled with layoffs, tight deadlines, and constant change, success hinges on an individual's ability to manage and even thrive under stress." — Positive Psychology
Instead of addressing the underlying issues in workplace culture that contribute to employee stress, there has been a push for individuals to enhance their resilience as a solution:
"Given the fast-paced and demanding nature of modern work, developing resilience skills is essential for successfully navigating your professional life." — Harvard Business Review
While resilience can indeed be an admirable trait—helping us navigate personal crises—it has become overemphasized in professional settings. Often, this focus comes from leaders who use it as a shield to deflect blame onto employees who supposedly lack resilience.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Personal Experience with Failure
When I resigned from my sales position after just six months, I felt utterly defeated. It was my first job post-university, and I was eager to begin my career. I aimed to gather a few years of experience before applying to a management consulting firm.
However, after three months, my colleagues and I discovered a stark contrast between the company’s promised supportive atmosphere and the reality we faced. Instead of a collaborative startup culture, we encountered a toxic environment with a manager who stifled our motivation.
After an initially positive onboarding experience, we were thrust into a challenging sales role. My manager enforced unreasonable conditions, like preventing us from taking bathroom breaks until we made thirty calls. He even mocked a colleague who needed to leave early due to an injury.
I quickly realized that this setting was not conducive to my growth. Yet, I hesitated to quit for months, fearing that a six-month gap on my resume would label me as uncommitted.
Once I confided in my family, however, it became clear that my concerns were unfounded.
Section 1.2: The Sunk Cost Fallacy and Opportunity Cost
To avoid clinging to situations out of obligation, it’s essential to grasp two concepts:
- Sunk Cost Fallacy: This refers to our tendency to stick with a project or job due to the resources we have already invested.
- Opportunity Cost: This is the potential benefit we miss by choosing one option over another.
For instance, the longer you're in a relationship, the more challenging it is to end it, as you've invested so much time and emotion. The opportunity cost of remaining in an unsatisfying relationship is the potential happiness you might find by exploring new connections.
Consider another scenario: you’ve bought a ticket for a two-hour film. After forty minutes, you find it dull. What do you do? Most would logically choose to leave, recognizing that staying is a waste of time. However, many still opt to stay, falling into the sunk cost trap.
The stakes can be much higher in significant life decisions. Clinging to a job or relationship out of fear of failure could prevent you from discovering fulfilling opportunities.
The crucial question to ask yourself is:
“Does the benefit of staying in this situation outweigh the potential advantages of leaving?”
If the answer is “no,” it’s time to let go and prioritize your well-being over resilience.
Chapter 2: Reassessing Resilience
The first video, "How to be More Resilient - 6 Traits of Resilient People - Featuring Laura Kampf," discusses key characteristics that define resilient individuals and how they navigate challenges.
The second video, "How To Be Resilient In Times of Distress | Masterclass," offers insights into building resilience during challenging times, providing practical strategies for personal growth and adaptation.