Without Resilience You're Doomed

If you don’t have resilience in business, you’re doomed. It’s that simple. Leading a company is a marathon, not a sprint, and you need mental toughness to finish the race. In this video, I share the single most effective tool I’ve used over my 50-year career to build that toughness: The Resilience Notebook. Most founders think resilience is just a personality trait—you either have it or you don’t. That’s wrong. Resilience is a muscle you build through evidence. When you hit a wall (and you will), it’s easy to forget all the times you’ve already won. You need a system to remind yourself of your own capability so you don't get stuck in the weeds of a bad week. Watch this short video to learn exactly how to format your notebook and the specific timing for writing in it to get the maximum psychological benefit. This isn't just journaling; it's building a database of your own wins to fuel you through the hard times. 3 Biggest Takeaways 1. Resilience is a Muscle, Not a Trait: You build resilience by consciously recognizing and documenting your ability to overcome hardship, not just by "being tough." 2. The "Resilience Notebook" System: The specific practice of writing down an obstacle and the solution immediately after solving it creates a permanent record of your competence. 3. Evidence Beats Emotion: When you feel overwhelmed, reviewing your past successes provides objective evidence that you can handle the current crisis, which shifts your mindset from panic to empowerment. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with Answers Q1: Can I just use a digital app for this, or does it have to be a physical notebook? A1: You can use an app, but there is a psychological connection that happens when you physically write things down. It tends to stick in the brain better. However, the best tool is the one you will actually use. If notes on your phone works, use that. Q2: How often should I review the notebook? A2: You don't need to read it every day. Read it when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or when imposter syndrome creeps in. It’s your emergency kit for confidence. Q3: What if I haven't overcome the obstacle yet? A3: Write down the obstacle immediately. That gets it out of your head and onto paper. Then, leave space. Once you solve it—even if it takes months—go back and fill in the solution. Closing that loop is incredibly satisfying. Q4: Is this different from a gratitude journal? A4: Yes. Gratitude is about appreciating what you have. The Resilience Notebook is about documenting your competence and problem-solving skills. It’s about self-efficacy, not just thankfulness. Q5: I’m a founder with no time. Is this really worth the effort? A5: It takes 2 minutes. If you don't have 2 minutes to build the mental fortitude required to lead your company, you have bigger problems than time management. This protects your most valuable asset: your mindset.