Stronger

About the Authors

George S. Everly, Jr., Ph.D. is one of the founding fathers of modern stress management and disaster mental health. With a career spanning decades, his contributions to the field have been instrumental in shaping how we understand and manage stress in high-pressure situations.

Douglas A. Strouse, Ph.D. is the Managing Partner of Wexley Consulting HRD, LLC, an international management-consulting firm. His expertise in leadership and resilience has guided many organizations through challenging times.

Dennis K. McCormack, Ph.D. is one of the original Navy SEALs and is a highly respected researcher on the topics of managing and thriving under stress. His unique perspective and experiences bring invaluable insights into the nature of resilience.

Main Idea

The book Stronger: Develop the Resilience You Need to Succeed delves into the concept of resilience, exploring the traits that enable individuals to thrive under pressure. The authors identify five critical factors that contribute to personal resilience: active optimism, decisive action, moral compass, relentless tenacity, and interpersonal support. These factors are illustrated through the experiences of professional athletes, surgeons, first responders, and Navy SEALs, highlighting how resilience can be developed and applied in various high-stress environments.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Active Optimism
3. Decisive Action
4. Moral Compass
5. Relentless Tenacity
6. Interpersonal Support
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Resilience is the ability to face adversity head-on and bounce back stronger than before. This quality is not innate but can be cultivated through deliberate practice and mindset shifts. The book explores the science behind resilience and offers practical strategies for developing this essential trait.

Active Optimism

Active optimism is more than just a positive outlook; it's a proactive stance toward life. It involves believing that you can influence outcomes and taking actions that increase the likelihood of success.

"Optimism is the tendency to take the most positive or hopeful view of matters. It's the tendency to expect the best outcome, the belief that good will prevail over evil." - George S. Everly, Jr., Ph.D.

Active optimists are not passive believers; they engage in behaviors that promote positive results. This mindset is crucial for resilience as it propels individuals to move forward despite setbacks.

• Break down large tasks into manageable parts: Tackling smaller tasks can lead to a series of successes, building momentum and confidence.
• Ask for assistance: Seeking help when needed ensures that obstacles are not insurmountable.
• Rehearse responses: Practicing reactions to potential challenges prepares individuals for real-life scenarios.
• Visualize success: Imagining positive outcomes can make them more attainable.

active optimism include:

• A professional athlete visualizing victory before a crucial game.
• A surgeon rehearsing complex procedures to ensure flawless execution.
• A first responder practicing emergency scenarios to improve response times.

Decisive Action

Resilient individuals are decisive. They act quickly and effectively, mitigating adversity and promoting growth even in the face of challenges.