Bouncing forward: why resilience is a daily decision
‘I am not the product of my circumstances. I am the product of my decisions.’ Stephen R. Covey
‘This quote is always on my mind’ shares Vanessa Belleau, our founder. It reminds us that even in moments where everything feels uncertain, overwhelming or out of our hands, we still hold power - the power to choose how we show up.
And that is the heart of resilience as we see it.
Resilience isn’t just about being tough or ‘soldiering on’. It’s not about bouncing back to what was. It’s about bouncing forward - resetting, learning, growing and trying again, especially when it’s hard or uncertain.
It’s about meeting ourselves with compassion and grit when the world is loud, the path unclear and the pressures high.
It’s a mindset and a daily practice.
Resilience doesn’t deny reality. It doesn’t sugarcoat what’s hard. Instead, it invites us to respond intentionally. That’s where adaptability comes in.
Adaptability: flexibility with focus
Adaptability is the quiet superpower that helps resilience stick. We define it as ‘the ability to acknowledge reality, adjust your approach, and take intentional action without losing focus on the goals or values that matter most’.
It’s what allows us to stay rooted when the plan changes (again). It helps us move with, not against, the messiness of real life and leadership.
At its core, adaptability has three key elements:
▪️ Acknowledgement
Facing what is, not what we wish it was. That might mean naming the challenge, recognising a limit or accepting an unexpected shift. We can't move through what we don’t acknowledge.
▪️ Adjustment
Being willing to tweak the plan or change tactic. That doesn’t mean we have failed, it means we are staying responsive, creative and wise.
▪️ Action
Doing something about it. Even a small step. Even if we are unsure. Action is how we move from stuck to momentum, from survival to growth.
Together, these three elements help us navigate complexity without losing ourselves in it. They remind us that we don’t need to control everything - we just need to move intentionally.
Decisions over circumstances
You may not get to choose the storm, the setback, or the system. But you can choose to show up with self-awareness, curiosity and courage.
You can choose to be resilient, not because things are easy, but because you are committed to growing through what you go through.
So the next time life throws you off course, ask:
What is true here?
What needs to change?
What can I do - right now - that aligns with my purpose or values?
Trust that those small courageous decisions add up.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to keep choosing to bounce forward and try to be excellent at it.
Final thoughts
Resilience isn’t a finish line. It’s a practice we return to - especially when things are hard.
It doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means choosing not to give up on yourself, your values or your vision. Even when it would be easier to retreat.
Every day gives us new opportunities to reset, learn and grow. Every challenge invites us to adapt - acknowledging what is, adjusting with wisdom and acting with intention.
So if today feels heavy, uncertain or just plain exhausting, pause and remember:
> You are not the product of your circumstances.
> You are the product of your decisions.
And one brave, aligned decision at a time, you are already bouncing forward.
For questions about High Fifteen or to share feedback, please email: hello@highfifteen.com.
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