In our building blocks of success series, we tackle the various foundational blocks we believe are essential for success. Resilience is near the top of the list, because pursuing greatness almost always means you will face losses, mistakes and tough times along your journey. The ability to bounce back is so critical and we hope the stories below will inspire you to dig deep and discover more of your own resiliency.
Nuttamon Ponkaew
My resilience is deeply rooted in my family history and personal experiences. My grandfather was an immigrant from China who arrived with nothing to his name, yet he built an empire through sheer determination and adaptability. He faced countless challenges and had to adjust to a new culture and environment, but he made it work. I like to think that I carry a part of him within me. My journey to the United States was a challenging one. I arrived without my parents and had to start from scratch. In real estate, success often begins with working within your sphere—friends and family—but I had none in the US, to begin with. Despite this, I channeled my grandfather’s spirit and determination, reminding myself that I am a fighter just like he was. I firmly believe that there is nothing I can’t achieve if I set my mind to it. It hasn’t been easy, but I embrace the philosophy expressed in Charles Darwin’s quote: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most adaptable to change.” This idea of adaptability and resilience has guided me through many obstacles, enabling me to grow both personally and professionally. In essence, my resilience stems from my grandfather’s legacy, my own experiences of starting anew, and the unwavering belief that with determination and adaptability, I can overcome any challenge. This mindset has been crucial in my journey, helping me thrive in the ever-changing landscape of real estate. Read more>>
Larry Starks
I believe that my work ethic comes from growing up poor. I knew whatever I wanted I had to work for, nothing was given to me. I began working very early, selling candy door to door when I was about 10 years old. If I wanted anything above and beyond the necessities of food, clothes, and shelter I had to work. I come from a large family of 10 children, my mother and father worked hard to give us the essentials in life, and I don’t ever remember going without food. I did have hand-me-down clothes, which since I was one of the younger ones was bad, by the time it got to me. I knew I wanted to dress well, live well, and be comfortable. My work ethic ensures that my value is respected in any environment.. I will always work smart and efficiently, I always carry my weight on my team. To this day you will find me involved in more than one thing in the community and at work. Read more>>
Anduriel Widmark
My resilience is deeply intertwined with my artistic practice, which continually teaches me the value of adaptability and optimism. As an artist, every new project is an unpredictable, unknown space, and the creative process often requires a reevaluation of both concepts and methods. This ongoing need for adaptation can be challenging and encourages mental flexibility. Facing and embracing these challenges fuels my optimism, as each piece brings new insights along with the excitement of creation. Read more>>
Lexus Benton
Resilience in photography for me comes from a deep passion for the craft. I thrive on continuously learning and improving, and each setback is just another opportunity to grow. Constructive feedback from peers helps me refine my skills, and I find inspiration and motivation in the photography community. Ultimately, persistence is key—every photo I take, whether successful or not, is a step towards mastering the art. Read more>>
Malka Espinel Espinel
I get my resilience from my mother, Rebeca. She inspired me to be independent, which is why I chose the path of becoming a chef. My mother was a fierce caregiver to her family and she was an entrepreneur. Read more>>
Alyssiah Robinson
My resilience came from just never giving up no matter how hard something got ! I’ve been homeless and come on some hard times. But what I learn is life is all how your mindset is, if you desire to do well, go far thank you will achieve great things. Read more>>
Kenneth Baldwin
I think my resilience derives from numerous sources rather than a singular motivation. My ability to overcome various obstacles isn’t something I was born with but developed through watching those close to me or experiencing life firsthand. But before I attest to a few examples, I believe that one’s mentality and desire to persevere begins within the childhood home. I’m thankful to have two wonderful parents whose mission was to instill principles of hard work, kindness, and excellence into their children to create prosperous individuals. And in doing so, it seems they were successful. The admiration I carry for them, alongside the memories of the sacrifices to propel my sister and me toward stable futures, are enough to give me courage for any endeavor. Additionally, I realized that I had to develop an exoskeleton-like shell to shield myself from the world’s scrutiny, as people like me are subject to cruelty and void of opportunity on many of life’s paths. Being a gay, black male is not an easy existence to maintain, but knowing I’m not alone in this feeling lessens the weight it inherently brings. I guess I chose to fight against the tide of hatred, hypocrisy, and control that higher-ups exercise to silence the talented and bright. My achievements, such as graduating Summa Cum Laude from NC A&T, managing a photography business at 21 after such, and simply striving daily, prove my resilience. I say that proudly, especially with the state of our nation and the world and how it’s becoming increasingly challenging to pursue your dreams and simultaneously support yourself nowadays. Read more>>
Morgan Maassel
Personally, I just don’t believe there is another option other than to keep going. You can change directions, but that’s still going. You can take a break, but that implies you’ll continue on. The only way you stop, is if you’re no longer here. That being said, I’ve had a lot of examples of resilient people in my life, and I happen to be pretty head-strong, so I turned out that way as well. I also believe that I am here for a purpose and am exactly where I am supposed to be. As a Christian, I draw my strength from God and I am able to cast my stress, anxiety, and worries on Him. I recently learned that if I’ve prayed for a way to be made clear, and it isn’t being made clear, it’s not for me to worry about. God will make a way if that’s where He’d have me be. Otherwise, I can only do the next right thing out of love. Read more>>
Herbrinia Johnson-Streater
I have come from a family of hardworking womans, but I must say my resilience comes from my inner strength that the Lord has given me from all the trials and tribulations I have overcome these past few years. I lost my husband 3 years ago, I was broken and left to take care of our three kids on my own, I went through many obstacles (from losing my career, being falsely arrest, family turning their back on me after all I ever did to help them, homeless, and more) and I didn’t have nowhere to turn. Many people had opinions on what I should be doing, how I should turn my pain into money, but I couldn’t find the strength. I didn’t have any fight to give out, but I had three kids that needed and dependent on me. I prayed and asked the Lord for strength and guidance; I continue to go through life and trust life was difficult, but I kept my faith. God needed to break me, isolate me, just to show me just how strong I really was and that I could do all thing with him by myside. Read more>>
Miles Weber
My resilience stems from a lifetime of varied experiences. From the mistakes of my youth to coping with unfortunate injuries, each challenge has shaped me. Coaching changes, the loss of family members, and achieving life goals against the odds have all contributed to my strength. Success in different aspects of life, coupled with the enriching experience of traveling and understanding diverse cultures, has further solidified my resilience. Every positive and negative experience has played a crucial role in forming who I am today, and I wouldn’t change a single moment of it. Read more>>
Mohamed Abdo
My resilience comes entirely from faith. It’s a core belief of mine that everything happens for a reason. I believe we are always on the right path (no matter how wrong it may feel) and I’m always exactly where I’m supposed to be. Sometimes when we feel like things aren’t falling into place, we feel like everything is going wrong. But just because they aren’t falling into the spots we wanted to them to doesn’t mean they’re falling into the wrong spots. They’re just completing a puzzle bigger than we can fathom as humans. We are always on the path that God intended for us. So whenever I get stressed when I’m facing challenges, I remind myself that whatever I’m going through is always leading me to where I’m supposed to be, not matter how helpless I may feel, or how extreme the situation. Everything has a purpose. Read more>>
Ashley Bourbeau
Um, life lol. The more serious answer – martial arts. That was the first place I really learned the value of having to get up and do everything again and again, hundreds and thousands of times before you get it, integrate it, and perfect it. But the beauty is that’s actually not the ceiling. There isn’t one! There are so many different styles, techniques, applications for everything in martial arts. Each fighter’s unique anatomy, physicality, expertise, fight IQ, training, adaptability and grit all make every fight a mystery and an art form. I try to devote the level of dedication and attention to detail necessary for that to anything that means something to me. Martial Arts inspires a strength and spirit unparalleled, in my opinion. It had a tremendous impact on my resilience, and also gave me peace and spirituality. 10/10 would recommend for anyone who needs to learn self confidence. Read more>>
Jordan Turchin
While we’ve grown into a boutique resort over the years, we are deeply rooted here on the farm in nature. That close relationship with Mother Earth, being a constant witness to the cycle of life – birth, growth, decomposition- has been the best teacher and guide when it goes to resilience. Take a seed, it’s pushed deep into darkness, with immense pressure, and then only if the conditions are right will it sprout. From there, it grows but the elements persistently test its fate. And if you look around there is growth everywhere, despite the perceived setbacks. Everything in nature has to be resilient. And we are, after all, nature. So we just take a deep breath, embrace our surroundings, and step into the flow. Read more>>
Dr. Kelvin Jones
My resilience comes from a long line of fighters in my family that have refused to say no. My father dropped out of school and joined the Marines to provide for me, my mother worked 3 jobs to be sure I was taken care of. My grandparents grew up in a Jim Crow South where they weren’t allowed a ton of privileges as African Americans in the Deep South and instilled in me a refusal to lose or be denied. Read more>>
Mia Quinn Maddox
Its 2014 im 24 years old and the Fashion Stylist For the most popular rap artist in the world 50cent
Im literally walking in popularity,prestige , jet setting , private planes , large budgets ,music videos, magazine covers, shows , appearances and a clientele list of some aspiring stylist dreams. I use to say if i died today i’ve lived … who has lived at 24 ? life can change in a moment 2012 was that moment . my 12 year relationship with people who i thought became family abruptly ended and every relationship grown within that time died. I thought because of who I was and who i was attached to it would be an easy transition to another great adventure but God had a different plan. bad choices, bad decisions , a hardened heart , bitterness flowing through my veins, heartbreak after heartbreak. but in between so many success. becoming an active working member for IATSE 764 the local wardrobe union and after a long 3 years of seeking, rejection and trying .I finally became recognized for my hard work and started getting hired . another win with some many hurdles and lost. as i’m working with amazing actors on amazing shows like shes gotta have it, seven seconds I and god father of harlem and high fidelity caring for some of the most amazing actors soaking up all their greatness. gaining wisdom and understanding from amazing people. career thriving while dealing with lost, isolation, depression and times where i thought staying down would allow me to not fall again.if i’m down Ill stay here. why me ?why again and why alone. pandemic happens im forced to sit with God , this time around he picks me up I get back up and stand look myself in the eye, accept christ. the sifting begins im up, a year later the writers strike im down down. Read more>>
Callista Mei-Miller
Man, I’ve been told no so many times, come close to big breaks so many times…but for some reason I keep torturing myself and going? haha Just kidding, but I mean the answer is simple, I get resilience through knowing I’m meant for this. I know my skills and talents were crafted through pure passion and dedication; that keeps me going when I want to give up. Read more>>
Denise Washington
I bee\live I was just born resilient! For as long as I an remember I have always had a very determined mind set to do things on my own and not be 100% dependent upon others. To a lot it may look like stubbornness and in a way it may be, but in order to achieve any goal you must have some level of resilience to accomplish your goal. Life is full of challenges and you have to decide if those challenges are going to stop you or make you stronger. Read more>>
Nicolette Page
I grew up in Everett, MA, a city 10 minutes north of Boston, mainly consisting of blue-collar workers and some of the highest poverty rates in the state. The arts were underfunded and often pushed aside, most kids did not pursue higher education and there was no guidance on life after your high-school graduation. I was raised by a single mother who worked full-time with a degenerative spine disease to help me pursue my interests. She would always prioritize me and my whims, from guitar lessons to driving me to acting class. As I got older and got my first job as a cashier in my local grocery store, I realized what kind of sacrifices my mom made so that I could play pretend and make art. It was hard to make a living, never mind supporting a whole other human being on her own. She has always taught me the importance of working hard for the things you love. If I want to make art, I can. The lack of art education in my school district, the daunting cost of gear and equipment, and the nay-sayers cannot stop you from telling your story. These experiences gave me the grit that I find so valuable in being a filmmaker. Read more>>
April Fournier
I think a lot of my resilience comes from my mom. My mother was taken from the Navajo reservation when she was four years old and given to a white couple to adopt instead of being cared for by her community. Despite being ripped from her community and culture and being forced to fit a new mold at such a young age, she grew up always looking at what is possible instead of what cannot be done. She is a convener, not someone who seeks the spotlight or recognition, but works so incredibly effectively behind the scenes to build relationships and make connections. Her earliest years were difficult, but she still has the ability to be patient, kind, and supportive to everyone she meets. Whenever I am facing a difficult situation, decision or encounter I remember to take a breath like she taught me and try to work towards a solution instead of focusing too long on the problem and what’s not working. And if it doesn’t work, we keep trying and keep working until it does. Read more>>
Greg With Peace
I understood that there’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, there is no other real option than living this life with purpose. Thus the only real thing we can do is to find out what is our role as part of Nature, fulfill that and have much fun in the meantime. We can do this by connecting to our hearts and let Nature/Universe/God guide us through our intuitions, emotions and passion. We can outsource the tasks of the mind, but we cannot outsource the tasks of the heart. This is very important. When Nature wants to bring a solution to something it works through us by igniting the desire in our hearts to do what we are here to do. So we must pay very close attention to what we feel in our heart that we’d love to do. Then go for it! I accepted that I am not here by accident and when I started to feel and see that I have a mission to carry out, something that is coming from me very naturally, there was no turning back. It can be quite challenging sometimes, so resilience is definitely needed. But we are resilient beings, it’s our nature. Read more>>
Dr. Letitia Wright
Definitely from my parents. They always encouraged me and taught me to work through issues, not throw in the towel when things get tough.
They taught me how to pivot and re-evaluate where I am and where I want to be. They taught me to take a moment to see if my goals had
changed, or if other things had become more important to me. They also taught me valuable critical thinking skills. Read more>>
Lisa Baue
When I was a young girl, my grandfather, the founder of our family firm, and my grandmother taught me what life was like on our family farm. We would spend part of our summers there as children. It was fun, but it was also filled with daily chores. From planting and weeding a vegetable garden to fetching eggs from the hen house, hand milking the cows, learning to fish, hunt, clean what we caught or shot, and learning how to cook the meat. According to my grandparents, who grew up during the Great Depression, you must do these chores, grow your own food and hunt on your land to be self-reliant and tough to survive when times get tough. When I was older, I was told I needed to help “break in” the ponies for riding during summer break to help get them ready for my younger cousins to ride. I was a lover of horses early on, but these little Shetland ponies were a bit on the mean & challenging side. Their names were Thunder and Lightning, appropriately. I hopped on the tiny saddle while my grandfather had them on a long lead rope. We went from walking to trotting, to bucking, to cantering, and more bucking. I ended up on the ground about every 5 minutes until the “buck” was out of them. My grandfather insisted I get back on each time and show the ponies no fear and who the “boss” was. I was bruised, sore, and many times in tears. Overtime, however, I toughened up and took control of the ponies to ensure they were rideable, so my little cousins didn’t get hurt. All these experiences I had on our family farm were great lessons in resilience and believing in myself and my abilities as a rider. Read more>>
thabile makue
Often, I hear people talk about resilience as the consequence of hardship. A burdensome reminder that they went through something they would rather have not. But for me, resilience is a spiritual response to life’s inevitable challenges. I say “spiritual” to mean the miraculous ability of our minds, hearts, and bodies to heal and adapt and regenerate. I draw my resilience from an innate belief that I am worthy of wellbeing and my own effort to heal. But mostly, I am resilient because it is nature to repair and grow. Read more>>
Evangelia Moultsidou
My resilience comes from my pain and challenges that came on my way to Motherhood experiences 3 losses I broke down but with Chinese medicine and herbs I rise like a phoenix and became A mother of 2 Amazing boys It’s my mission and vision to see more holistic health and less infertility and disease Read more>>
Nandi Thompson
Resilience comes from the foundation of a family I’m surrounded by. My family has always been my biggest supporter; they tell me to keep going each chance they get. They always remind me to breathe and take my time if I get stressed or overwhelmed with completing a big order or creating a new recipe. Customers have also contributed to my resilience by supporting and telling me how proud they are of me. Seeing how excited a customer gets when they receive their order reminds me to keep going and why baking is a passion of mine. I’ve built resilience within myself by overcoming occasional stressful baking situations. Also, by participating in events like dessert festivals. I used to have anxiety when it came to selling my product in person, but the more events I did, the easier it became to have a conversation with customers! Now I truly enjoy seeing new faces & being able to converse with them. My passion for baking and making people happy, is truly what keeps me going! Read more>>
