How to develop Antifragility?

As we have seen in the previous blog, challenges are essential to grow in resilience. Nassim Nicholas Taleb argues (in his book: ‘Antifragile’) that this is a vital mentality. The big question then is: how do you develop it?

First, some examples of how and when Antifragility actually grows:

• If we experience crisis, and find chances to grow throughout these times and situations – so, instead of ‘post trauma stress disorder’ ‘post trauma growth’;
• If we find ourselves under great pressure, and realize creative solutions;
• When we are under attack, and come with a strategic counter-strike;
• When we take chances, make mistakes, and learn from them;
• If we are pioneering and take on challenging projects;
• If we put ‘skin in the game’, and stand for the positive but also the negative (possible) consequences of our ideas and actions;
• Through subtraction: more often and regularly not doing stuff! For instance fasting on a regular basis, or smoking less (or not at all of course), drinking less coffee, doing without sugar, etc…;
• Through sacrifice: the noble commitment of your own life, time and energy to serve others. To ensure that others come into their own. It is sacred: a healthy way of holy and honourable. 

So, how do you develop Antifragility?

• Train resilience factor 2: being solution-oriented assertive!
• Develop a serious sport-training-programme, to train your body and your ‘getter’ and ‘fighter’ mentality!
• Take on a big challenge each year, something that will keep on pushing you to at least stay on the same level. This can be a challenge in your private life or a challenge ‘career-wise’.
• Take responsibility for the quality of your own professionalism. Develop a personal development-plan, and realize the development! Often it is important to have someone (e.g. a colleague) to give you feedback on a regular basis.
• Give your body and mind a break by deliberate subtraction!

In short: developing Antifragility into your work- and life-style is a great structural resource to build your resilience! Face the challenges in front of you, seek out new ones, and gain more energy!