Resilience Redefined: A Chat with Paralympian Mariska Beijer
In today’s fast-paced professional world, resilience is a key trait for success. But what does it really mean to be resilient in a professional environment, and how can your L&D efforts help your employees to become more resilient? Our latest podcast episode dives deep into these questions with Paralympian Mariska Beijer, whose extraordinary journey from battling childhood illness to becoming a world-class athlete offers profound insights into resilience in both personal and professional spheres. Mariska’s experiences shed light on how resilience is not just an individual quality but also a collective endeavor. Listen to the entire episode here, or scroll down to read her story.
Resilience is undeniably an essential skill for personal growth, as exemplified by Paralympic champion Mariska Beijer’s inspiring life story. Diagnosed with kidney cancer at the tender age of one, Mariska faced numerous obstacles, including multiple surgeries and chronic illnesses. Despite these immense challenges, she transformed her life through sheer determination and resilience.
Her journey to becoming a world-class wheelchair basketball player was marked by overcoming significant physical and emotional hurdles. Mariska's resilience was not innate but developed over years. She highlights that resilience involves a continuous process of learning and adaptation, requiring support and reflection to truly build strength. According to her resilience is more than just bouncing back from adversity; it’s about finding purpose and joy despite difficulties. It’s a continuous process of learning and development, turning personal trials into sources of empowerment and purpose.
In the realm of professional development, Mariska’s journey highlights that resilience begins with self-acceptance. Her initial struggles with health led to self-doubt, but the moment she started to play wheelchair basketball she became more confident. Embracing her circumstances and recognizing her inherent value was crucial to her personal and professional growth.
Self-acceptance can translate into understanding and embracing one’s strengths and weaknesses, which is essential for building resilience. This foundational self-awareness allows individuals to face challenges with confidence and adaptability, turning perceived weaknesses into strengths and fostering a more resilient professional mindset.
Effective leadership is closely linked to resilience. Leaders who embody resilience set a powerful example for their teams by navigating challenges with grace and adaptability. Mariska Beijer’s experiences with coaches on the court exemplifies how resilience in action can inspire and motivate others. As she puts it, the coach creates the foundation for the team to flourish, but he leaves it up to the team to find out what works for them as a team, and per individual.
The notion that resilience is a solitary pursuit overlooks the importance of collective support. Mariska’s experience reveals that while personal strength is important, the support from family, friends, and colleagues plays a vital role in building resilience. In a professional environment, this translates to creating a supportive network that offers encouragement and constructive feedback. Building resilience involves not just individual effort but also fostering a collaborative culture where mutual support enhances everyone’s ability to overcome challenges and grow stronger together.
In summary, Mariska Beijer’s insights into resilience offer valuable lessons for both personal and professional development. Her experiences highlight that resilience is a dynamic interplay between personal strength and external support, shaping our approach to challenges and leadership in meaningful ways. As we navigate the complexities of today’s professional landscape, Mariska’s journey provides a powerful reminder that resilience is not just about enduring difficulties but thriving through them, supported by a strong network and a positive mindset.