The Resiliency Advantage
by Al Siebert, PhD
What is the difference between mental illness and mental health? That is the question that prompted Dr. Al Siebert to study survivors of trauma, job loss, divorce, accidents, etc. In a nutshell, Dr. Siebert has spent a lifetime studying the traits of resiliency, a sign of mental health. His book called The Resiliency Advantage is a guidebook that shows readers how to “sustain strong, healthy energy in non-stop change, bounce back quickly from setbacks, and gain strength from adversity”.
Throughout this book, the reader encounters helpful self-analyzing, self-improvement tools. From balancing mental habits with “synergistic skill” to discovering inner strength with “resiliency development activities”, a reader is giving practical tools that allow for personal growth as a survivor. In bad times Dr. Siebert suggests:
- Calm Yourself…tap into your resiliency strengths by…(repeating) a saying such as, “In stormy times, I look for a rainbow.
- Orient quickly…Ask resiliency questions. What is my new reality?
- Commit yourself totally to surviving and coping
- Problem solve by being curious and playful. Toy with the crisis
- Laugh.. cry… release tension
- Choose to accept what’s happening. Highly resilient survivors do not waste energy protesting against what has happened.
And the list goes on. After I got done with this book, I wanted to reread it because the information was so incredible and enlightening. Trust me on this one. This book is a must read for those seeking answers in times of adversity and crisis. Victims can become survivors with the right attitude and a great book like The Resiliency Advantage.
