It’s September and, for many folks, it’s when the year ‘begins’ again. Summer breaks are over, people get back to school, back to business, back to forecasting for the year-end and the next years ahead.

On the one hand it seems that this year flew, one of the fastest-feeling ever, perhaps because of the swift pace of monumental events—environmental, cultural, political, economic and inflation-crunched. The scale of the impact of all of that on local and regional businesses also has given this year a sense of fits and starts—up, then down, maintaining and revving up again. Head-spinning.

That’s why the word “resilience” is one I’ve been seeing a lot in the past few weeks. We all know we emerged from the year of 2020 with that feeling top-of-mind, but while 2021 was a steady recovery, 2022 and this year of 2023 seems to be ushering in the wisdom of needing to be able to stand up, yet be flexible. Adjust mentally and operationally (inside a business or office) to new challenges and curves.

We know change is constant. Those who can adapt quickly to changing circumstances are more likely to thrive. Another way to look at resilience is to think of it as a positive way to view strength. Because while sometimes being strong is an advantage when things don’t move or shift despite being buffetted in many directions, being ready to flex or “give” is sometimes, like now, even more important.

Clinging to timeworn and traditional habits or ways of doing things is not constructive. It can be unforgiving.

Resilience conveys ability and attitude. The ability to bounce back from tough circumstances and rough life events. It doesn’t mean “no stress” but it does communicate and often achieve problem-solving, awareness and it gives us a sense of control.

So let’s all work toward continued resilience as we plan ahead at this time of year.

maxelrad@jobson.com