Following the introduction of the SPARK series four weeks ago, I have covered the key tenets of Service, Purpose and Attraction and described how they are essential features in our journey to a life and career built on significance.

The fourth element in the SPARK table is Resilience, which I will cover in this week’s post using a slightly different approach. This week, I will amplify the need to build your Resilience by sharing an example of a Canadian company – Shopify – a leading online commerce platform that faced challenges seamlessly through the power of its leadership and collective resilience. 

In May 2020, amidst all the disruptions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Shopify was faced with grappling with the logistical and operational complexities of forced office closures. This sort of challenge would call upon leadership to respect the delicate balance of protecting their workforce from health impacts, but also their business from bottom-line effects due to quality service disruptions.

So how would Shopify handle this?

Unlike many other organizations grappling with the complexities of remote work, Shopify had already laid the groundwork for this seamless shift. With a pre-laid foundation in place, Shopify made a ground-breaking announcement: they were transitioning to a “digital by default” approach. Shopify’s CEO, Tobias Lütke, articulated a strategic shift towards a remote-first hybrid model, enabling the majority of its workforce to work from the comfort of their homes.

This decision, in a time of unpredictability, gained widespread praise, both for its boldness and the remarkable smoothness with which Shopify executed the transition. Thus, positioning itself as a standout example of resilience during challenging times, Shopify became a benchmark for other high-profile companies to follow.

Key takeaway – Minor disruptions are an opportunity to SPARK resilience, which in turn prepares you for larger challenges ahead.

A classic example of how being resilient through one challenge can prepare you for another came when Shopify previously encountered a similar challenge when expanding its services to cater to international merchants operating in diverse time zones. Consequently, a significant number of their customer support representatives had to work alternative shifts to ensure coverage across various time zones. However, the implementation of graveyard shifts at the office increased attrition significantly. Shopify paid attention and proactively instituted remote and hybrid working arrangements. 

As a result, when faced with the larger disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shopify was able to navigate the situation skilfully. Today, the majority of the company’s employees work remotely, reflecting the company’s commitment to a flexible and resilient working model that in turn addresses both the human and business needs required to be successful, but more importantly, significant.

In the journey of life, hurdles are inevitable, but the key to flourishing depends on our ability to stay present, positive and pliable.

But what does this mean, and how do you get there? 

Let’s explore 3 key concepts within the Resilience Quotient:

1. Inverse Paranoid Mentality

Begin by understanding that the world is with you, not against you. Believe that every hurdle is never a curse, but a hidden blessing—an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Accepting this truth activates the elixir which keeps you from the paranoia often accompanied with facing difficulties. In turn, inversing the psyche to build a resilient mentality for embracing challenges. A mentality that views them as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Because, resilience is not just about weathering the storm, but dancing in the deluge, knowing that the universe conspires for you to prevail.

2. Bounce Back Better

It is said, it’s not how often you get knocked down that matters, but how many times you get back up and recover. This type of fortitude is often infused by an uplifting force to overcome setbacks, not underwrite them with prevailing excuses or apathy. An antidote to any level of suffering is responsibility. A commitment to not only recognizing the truth of the matter, but also the duty to address it, act on it, and ultimately thrive from it. However, within the SPARK biosphere, to truly bounce back better it is best to cultivate an internal wellspring of limitless energy and strong self-belief. For instance, incorporating essential daily lifestyle practices that involve building the mind, body and spirit (friends, family, diet, meditation, exercise, journaling, etc) is pivotal. Finding a balanced approach to resilience will feed this reservoir of inner strength and self-belief. Every stumble then becomes a route to a stronger, more empowered, and better version of You.

3. Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)

Facing hardship in life is not an elective experience – it is very much an evolutionary imperative. Progress from who you are to who you will become is intrinsically linked to this obligation. In fact, happiness and success feel so much sweeter as a result of overcoming adversity. However, you are human and while you face these obstacles negativity can quickly set in. That’s why cultivating a mindset fuelled by hope, optimism and courage can be the lifeblood to reign supreme. But in order to operate with a positive mental attitude I recommend rooting yourself in your self-talk. Self-talk is a natural practice of your inner voice dialoguing through your positive and negative thoughts. The challenge is to separate factual experienced reason from fabricated preconceived notions – with the former being the preferred route to deconstructing any negativity. The next step is consciously replacing any unproductive narrative with powerful empowering thoughts like the affirmation or rally cry discussed in last week’s Attraction post. Resilience, with PMA at its core, becomes an unwavering belief that no matter how dark the night, dawn is inevitable.

Sparking your Resilience by being present, positive and pliable in your day-to-day life can help you overcome any challenge. The 3 concepts shared within the Resilience Quotient will further equip you to navigate them with grace and determination, blazing your inner SPARK so bright that you can withstand any storm.

Next week, I will delve into the fifth and final element of SPARK – Knowing. In today’s world, we are bombarded by information that is available at our fingertips or beck and call. Devoting daily moments to contemplation and introspection of this deluge of information is what separates the good from the great. This deep dive of what we see, hear and experience allows us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. It is what takes our intellectual capacity to the next level – the level beyond wisdom – which is Knowing. A vital link in maintaining the brilliance and intensity to SPARK our journey from success to significance.

If you are interested in examining this topic further, I will explore it in greater detail, as well as provide invaluable insights and secrets for leading your best life with SPARK, during my upcoming FREE live webinar on February 28, 2024. Secure your spot today by registering for this entirely free webinar: Ignite Your SPARK: Lead with Significance & Impact. 

Looking forward to engaging with all of you there!