Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. A missed promotion, a failed relationship, financial setbacks or unexpected disappointments can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed. Yet some people seem remarkably calm, even in the middle of chaos. That doesn't mean they're emotionless or immune to stress. Instead, psychologists say they often possess something called psychological resilience, the ability to adapt, recover and continue moving forward despite adversity.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), resilience isn't a personality trait that only a lucky few are born with. It's a set of thoughts, behaviors and habits that anyone can develop over time. Research by psychologist Martin Seligman, one of the founders of positive psychology, also suggests that resilient people tend to explain setbacks differently. Rather than viewing challenges as permanent or personal failures, they see them as temporary obstacles that can be managed. One way this mindset appears is through the language they use.
