Resourcefulness underlies resilience. The more ways you know how to get things done, the more options you have when your usual approach hits a wall. The more ways you’ve solved problems before,the less daunting new problems feel. Yet many people never target resourcefulness as a skill thay can build. They stick to a narrow playbook of how they get things done, adn don’t consider venturing beyond that.
Resourcefulness can give you a greater sense of security in your life and more trust in yourself. here are seven ways to build yours.
1. Vary the Way You Do Things
Many of us have strong defaults, e.g., you buy everything on Amazon. Try venturing outside those defaults. It could be as simple as buying something from eBay,a thrift store,or Facebook Marketplace.
The more different options feel within your wheelhouse, the more resourceful you become. Plus, you never know when you’ll discover something unexpected by going outside your usual routine. Such as, you discover a new favorite lunch spot next to the thrift store.
2. Aim to learn From People You Don’t Like
Expand your social resources. When you’ve got a question at work, don’t just stick to asking your friends. If you only turn to people you like, you cut yourself off from many potential resources.
3. Learn the Thing Everyone You Meet Has to Teach You
Lots of people have hidden pockets of knowledge: the things they know how to do that are unusual.
- Your friend’s husband is an expert at buying used cars.
- Your cousin who goes on exotic vacations knows how to use airline miles for business-class flights.
- The receptionist at your gym knows how to get a stain out of anything.
Without being a burden, aim to tap into the micro skills the people around you are happy to share.
