Starting new things is challenging because it involves uncertainties. Change and the process of adapting to it are difficult as they require leaving the familiar for the unfamiliar and transitioning from the known to the unknown. This could be beginning graduate school, starting a new family or job, or moving to another city or country.
Resilience is the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress, allowing individuals to bounce back from difficult experiences and recover – I simply like to call it finding strength within to keep going on a hard day! It’s like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.
Moving to a new country alone to start my DrPH Program has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. One strategy I have used to find the strength to keep going, especially on the hard days, is to focus on the positive aspects and remind myself why I started the program. I prefer to see the glass as half full rather than half empty, reminding myself that I can do this because I have faced hard challenges before.
Additionally, I find it beneficial to give myself grace and allow time for self-care—whether that means taking a walk in the park, visiting a friend, getting my nails done, reading a novel, or just doing nothing when needed. Celebrating both big and small wins is also essential.
Although change can be painful and doesn’t always seem beneficial, it often signals a season of growth. I’ve realized that tackling one "hard" thing makes the next challenge feel easier. Doing difficult tasks stretches us, pushes us out of our comfort zones, and allows us to discover our true potential and capabilities. Greatness is forged in times of pressure—think of the diamond!
To everyone contemplating starting something new, whether big or small, I encourage you to go for it. Don’t let fear of the unknown or imposter syndrome hold you back. If you’ve decided to start and are facing uncertainty and challenges, know that you’ve got this—I’m rooting for you. When you look back, you will see how much you’ve grown and how these experiences will serve as a launchpad for even greater achievements!
