Insights from Dr Debbie Hawke

Recently, I discussed resilience with students at the Ikon Leadership Academy using some of the key insights from Dr Debbie Hawaker. I wanted to share a brief overview, as it is a helpful subject to consider.

Resilience is the ability to make the best of any situation. It is not static; instead, it can be developed. This article will explore how we can strengthen resilience in ourselves and others based on insights from Dr Debbie Hawker.

The SPECS Model

Dr Hawker suggests using the SPECS model to develop resilience:

Spiritual Resilience

• Having a sense of hope

• Having a sense of purpose

• Being outwardly focused and helping others

• Forgiveness

• Gratitude

• Nature

• Awareness and silence

• Being part of a community

Physical Resilience

• Exercise

• Rest

• Good sleep hygiene

• Nutrition

Emotional Resilience

• Crying and mourning

• Talking

• Laughing, smiling, humour, dancing, playing music, and celebrating

• Cultivating an emotionally healthy state

• Dealing with low self-esteem

• Journaling

• Writing, praying, talking, art, creativity

• Knowing the season, you are in

Cognitive/Creative Resilience

• Embracing the challenge

• Finding the positives

• Seeking out the beauty that is around you

• Problem-solving

• Dealing with unhelpful thoughts

• Curiosity and the desire to learn

• Creativity

Social and Systemic Resilience

• Having support from others

• Healthy marriage or singleness

• Time for family and friends

• Building a strong support network

• Resolving conflicts

• Healthy teams with good leadership

• The environment

Wrapping Up

Resilience is not just within a person; it is determined by what happens between people. Using the SPECS model, we can develop resilience in our lives. We must cultivate spiritual, physical, emotional, cognitive/creative, and social/systemic resilience to increase resilience.

Action Points

1. Cultivate emotional resilience by talking, journaling, and engaging in creative activities.

2. Focus on physical resilience by exercising regularly, getting enough rest, and eating a healthy diet.

3. Develop social and systemic resilience by building a strong support network, resolving conflicts, and finding healthy teams with good leadership.

Remember that resilience is not static; it can be developed and strengthened over time. By incorporating these action points into your life, you can work towards becoming more resilient and better equipped to handle life's challenges.

*This post is Inspired by me and improved by AI, maybe:-)