Lessons learned from a coin flip

From stressful deadlines to conflicts with your neighbour, obstacles come in all shapes and sizes. This webinar series is all about stocking your resilience toolbox, so you’re well equipped to handle whatever challenges life throws your way.

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Consider this

A 2018 study investigated how people in nine European countries coped with economic hardship during the Great Recession of 2007–2009. Their findings showed that individuals who saw themselves as having control over their circumstances were more likely to embrace proactive coping strategies, such as looking for alternative employment opportunities or adjusting their spending habits. In contrast, those who felt powerless were more likely to experience increased stress and poorer mental health.

The research highlights that a strong sense of agency — believing in one’s ability to influence outcomes and make their own luck — can boost resilience in the face of adversity.

Reflection questions

1. When have you turned a challenging situation into an opportunity for growth? What helped you shift your perspective?
   
2. What daily habits or mindset shifts have helped you feel more in control of your circumstances?
   
3. Think of a time when things didn’t go your way. What actions did you take that made things even a little bit better?
   
4. How do you define “luck”? How much of that do you believe is within your influence?
   
5. What is one small, consistent action you could start doing today that might create better outcomes for your future self?
   
6. Who or what has supported you during difficult times? How did you make space for that support?
   
7. How do you typically respond to setbacks — emotionally and behaviourally? How would you want to respond instead?
   
8. What resources, skills or inner strengths do you tend to overlook that could actually help you move forward?
   
9. What would it mean to you to “make your own luck” in the context of your life right now?
   
10. If you looked back on this time in your life five years from now, what actions would you be proud to say you took — even when it was hard?

Try this

Turn ideas into action with these suggested activities from our Resilience Toolbox.

More modules

Module 1. Making your own luck: Lessons learned from a coin flip

Module 2. Improving adaptability: Lessons learned from an absurd Christmas tree

Module 3. Embracing teamwork: Lessons learned from a rogue haybale

Module 4. Leveraging tools: Lessons learned from a poorly chosen sledgehammer

Module 5. Learning humility: Lessons learned from a very brief career as a valet

Module 6. Failing forward: Lessons learned from banshee babies and buttered butts

Module 7. Avoiding shortcuts: Lessons learned from a giant backpack

Module 8. Redefining success: Lessons learned from an idiotic bet

Module 9. Letting go: Lessons learned from a gooey pit of clay

Module 10. Taking responsibility: Lessons learned from trying to catch a train

Module 11. Getting creative: Lessons learned from the toboggan hill

Module 12. Fuelling motivation: Lessons learned from sleeping in a barn

Module 13. Handing over control: Lessons learned from riding in a shopping cart

Module 14. Practising gratitude: Lessons learned from a very special list

Module 15. Prioritizing self-care: Lessons learned from a surprise birthday celebration in the hospital

Module 16. Creating lasting change: Lessons learned from life’s awesome and absurd moments