You know how we’re always talking about juggling all our interests without losing our minds? Well, I’ve been thinking a lot about resilience lately—you know, that gritty ability to bounce back when life throws curveballs. As someone who’s into everything (seriously, how do we end up with so many hobbies?), I’ve realized resilience isn’t just about “toughing it out.” It’s about designing a life where setbacks become stepping stones. Let me share what’s been working for me. Maybe it’ll spark something for you too!
Step 1: Get Clear on What Resilience Means to You
Before diving in, ask yourself: What does “resilience” even look like in my chaotic, multi-passionate life? For me, it’s not about grinding 24/7. It’s about staying curious when things go sideways. Grab a coffee and journal your answers to these:
- What challenges keep tripping me up in different areas? (For me, it’s balancing coding projects and watercolor nights without imploding.)
- How do my “failures” actually teach me? (Spoiler: My abandoned novel draft taught me way more about storytelling than any workshop.)
- What’s the big-picture payoff for staying persistent? (Hint: Mine’s about connecting dots between totally unrelated fields.)
Clarity here becomes your compass when things get messy.
Step 2: Lean Into the Chaos (Yes, Really)
Okay, hear me out: Those random challenges? They’re secret training sessions. When I tried learning guitar and Python at the same time last year, my brain felt like mush. But guess what? Struggling with chords somehow made debugging code easier. Weird, right?
Try this:
- Pick projects that make you slightly nervous. (My latest: baking sourdough while listening to astrophysics podcasts. Don’t ask.)
- Mix skills like a mad scientist. Storytelling + spreadsheets = magic.
- Reframe “Ugh, I’m stuck” to “What’s this teaching me?” (Pro tip: Whisper this dramatically. It helps.)
Step 3: Build Tiny Habits That Stick
Polymaths like us? We’re great at starting things. Finishing? Not so much. Instead of overhauling your life, steal my micro-habits:
- Read 10 pages a day—anything, from philosophy to fanfic.
- Journal for 5 minutes before bed. I just scribble one win and one “oops” (e.g., “Forgot to eat lunch again… but I fixed that bug!”).
- Experiment Fridays: Dedicate one hour to a wild idea. No pressure. (Last week, I tried writing a poem in binary. It was terrible. But fun!)
Small steps > grand plans.
Step 4: When Life Goes Sideways (Because It Will)
Last month, my laptop died mid-project, and my cat ate my succulents. Meltdown? Almost. But here’s my go-to survival kit:
- Time-block like a boss: 90 minutes on [Thing], 20-minute dance break. Rinse, repeat.
- Digital detox Sundays: No screens after 7 PM. Just tea, bad doodling, and pretending I’m in a cottagecore video.
- The “Oh Well” List: When something flops, I write it down, add a lesson, and literally say “Oh well.” (Bonus points for jazz hands.)
Step 5: Plan Your Day Like a Pirate (Maps Optional)
I used to hate schedules—until I realized flexible routines set me free. Now, I map my day in 3 chunks:
- Deep Work AM (1-2 big tasks)
- Creative Play PM (Paint? Code? Juggle?)
- Reboot Hour (Walk, nap, stare at clouds)
And hey, if the plan crumbles? Channel your inner pirate and reroute.
Step 6: Curate Your Cave
Your space matters. My desk has:
- A plant named Greg (he’s struggling, but we’re bonded).
- A “Why” sticky note (mine says: “For the thrill of figuring it out”).
- Separate zones for “Work” vs. “Play”—even if it’s just two corners of the same table.
Light a candle, play lo-fi beats, and suddenly, tax paperwork feels ~aesthetic~.
Step 7: Stay Fluid, Friend
Resilience isn’t a finish line. Some weeks, I’m crushing it. Others, I’m binge-watching Star Trek in pajamas. That’s cool. Every Sunday, I ask:
- What’s working? Keep it.
- What’s draining me? Tweak or ditch it.
- What tiny win made me proud? (Last week: Finally memorized the Pride and Prejudice opening line. Priorities.)
When You’re Stuck…
- Overwhelmed? Me too. Pick one tiny thing. Read a poem. Fix one bug. Breathe.
- Motivation MIA? Revisit old wins. Or text me—we’ll swap pep talks.
- Compare-o-tron acting up? Unfollow accounts that make you feel “less than.” You’re a work in progress, not a TikTok highlight reel.
Final Thought: Progress > Perfection
This isn’t about becoming an unflappable superhero. It’s about showing up, day after day, even if some days you’re just… there. So, what’s one tiny habit you’ll try this week? A 5-minute journal? A “Why” sticky note? Let me know—I’ll cheer you on!
Greg and I believe in you. 🪴
—
P.S. If you try the binary poetry thing… maybe keep it to yourself. 😉
