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Writer's pictureSimon Gregory

Building Resilience The Jenga Way

Life is a game of Jenga, where unexpected challenges are the blows that threaten to topple our carefully constructed towers.


Resilience is the art of rebuilding, one block at a time, turning adversity into an opportunity for growth.


In this blog, we’ll explore the concept of resilience through the lens of the classic game of Jenga and discover how to develop and maintain this invaluable trait.


Understanding Resilience:

Resilience is not the absence of adversity, but the ability to bounce back from it. In the game of Jenga, each blow represents a setback or challenge that can destabilise our lives. The key is not to avoid these blows, but to develop the skills to recover.


The Jenga Tower of Life:

Imagine your life as a towering structure of Jenga blocks, each group of blocks representing a different aspect – health, relationships, career, personal well-being, etc. When life delivers a blow, a block is pulled from the tower. The challenge is not only to prevent the tower from falling, but to learn how to rebuild it stronger than before.


Developing Resilience:

person building Jenga tower

1. Acceptance:

Building resilience begins with acceptance. Acknowledge that setbacks are a natural part of life. Just as in Jenga, understand that you need the knocks to build a taller and stronger tower.


2. Mindfulness:

Mindfulness is the cornerstone of resilience. Like a player carefully assessing each block, be present in the moment. This awareness allows you to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively to challenges. Remember that mindfulness does not have to be meditation. It can be anything that forces you to stay in the moment, like cycling, running, knitting, baking, etc.


3. Adaptability:

Just as Jenga requires adaptability, life demands flexibility. Develop the ability to adjust your strategy when unexpected challenges arise. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat. This is Jenga by your rules. If you want to replace the block from where it came, you can. If you want to use it to build a stronger foundation or a taller tower, that is entirely up to you.


4. Seek Support:

In Jenga, playing with a team increases your chances of success. Similarly, surround yourself with a support system. Share your challenges with friends, family, or your Tribe Coach. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can help you see the next move more clearly.


Maintaining Resilience:

lady moving jenga block

1. Learn from Setbacks:

Treat each setback as a learning opportunity. In Jenga, a block that falls can be repositioned for a stronger foundation. Similarly, reflect on your experiences, identify lessons, and apply them to fortify your resilience.


2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset:

Embrace challenges with a growth mindset. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, see them as stepping stones to success. Like a Jenga tower that becomes more stable with each reconfiguration, every setback can contribute to your personal growth.


3. Self-Care:

Just as a Jenga tower needs maintenance, so does your well-being. Prioritise, above everything else, self-care to ensure you are mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared for the blows that life may deliver.


Life, like Jenga, is a delicate balance of building and rebuilding.


Resilience is not about avoiding challenges but about transforming them into opportunities for growth. By adopting the principles of acceptance, mindfulness, adaptability, and seeking support, you can navigate life’s blows and emerge stronger.


Remember, it’s not about preventing the blocks from falling; it’s about how you put them back that makes all the difference.


If you feel like you're struggling with your Return to Work journey, of if you feel like you need more support, reach out to one of our coaches today - we are here to help.


lady walking a long and windy path across hillside

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