Summary Of Bounce: Living The Resilient Life
Bounce: Living the Resilient Life
Name
Institution
Bounce: Living the Resilient Life
Summary
In the book “Bounce: Living the Resilient Life,” the author, Robert J. Wicks, argues that the contemporary world is full of stress (2009). However, the book asserts that people should not be crushed by the world’s pressure because every individual has a range of resilience. Resilience gives people the ability to meet and learn from the day-to-day challenges and stresses of the current world (Wicks, 2009). For that reason, people’s resilience ensures that their challenges do not crush them. This book discusses, among other aspects of resilience, the approaches to self-care, how to apply positive psychology, self-awareness, compassion, and mindfulness (Wicks, 2009). These elements of resilience can develop the ability of a person to meet, learn from, and solve the challenges of life. People have a different range of resilience. (Wicks, 2009) The range of resilience demonstrated by various people depends on their current knowledge, their early life experiences, genetic factors, as well as their motivation to overcome the challenges that come their way to living a stress-free life (Wicks, 2009). …show more content…
The author adds that to “have a life” is not the nonexistence of negative pressures (Wicks, 2009). In fact, all sources of stress cannot be entirely prevented. Some challenges influence people in a positive manner. This highlights the importance of resilience. Wicks also add that if people become resilient, they experience new positive realities, which make them thrive in good ways (2009). This way, people can find the meaning in their lives and appreciate both the good and the bad aspects of stress (Wicks, 2009). The author asserts that all people can be good at handling stress if they understand some fundamental practices to contain pressure, as well as how to maintain a positive sense of resilience (Wicks, 2009). The inner life of a person provides him or her with the sources of resilience. This shows that belief system, attitudes, as well as spiritual and philosophical factors, affect the ability of a person to be resilient to challenges.
The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing acute and chronic stress, and consequently, taking a break to examine the source of stress. The author says that if people do not understand acute and chronic stress, they risk contracting a mood disorder, illness, or even a severe disease (Wicks, 2009). After recognizing chronic stress and taking a break, the author recommends the creation of a self-care and a personal renewal program. He describes a self-care protocol as a “necessary source of constant renewal.” Some essential elements of a personal renewal program include some light exercises, hobbies, meditation, and entertainment such as playing games that one enjoys (Wicks, 2009).
The author also suggests that one can protect himself or herself from stress if he or she keeps a balanced circle of friends.
The author goes ahead to identify four types of friends that can ensure that one lives a balanced and resilient stress life. These include the cheerleader, the prophet, the harasser, and guides (Wicks, 2009). Guides uncover the voices that guide people while harassers tease people and make them rip their unrealistic expectations. On the other hand, prophets challenge people to act while cheerleaders offer enthusiastic and unconditional acceptance. To live a resilient life, the author asserts that people must not only recognize, but also focus on signature strengths. Besides, they should do a self-assessment and accept their shortcomings (Wicks,
2009).
Analysis
According to the author, one cannot live a resilient life if he or she is not familiar with his or her signature strengths (Wicks, 2009). Seligman supports this information. In his book “Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment,” Seligman discusses the connection between happiness and strengths of a person (2004). Seligman argues that people are more productive when they are happy (2004). This occurs when people use their signature strengths. Therefore, people should try to know their signature strengths. This is because when one knows his or her signature strengths, he or she becomes aware of the activities that make him or her happy (Seligman, 2004). When one is happy, he or she becomes more resilient. Weiss-Randall also supports this information. In his publication, “Managing Stress in the Workplace,” Weiss-Randall asserts that employees will produce more if they are satisfied with their technical roles (2017). This satisfaction depends on job control and reward, as well as a work culture that responds to the needs of employees (Weiss-Randall, 2017). These factors are sources of stress. However, to deal with these factors, the author recommends that employers should slot in general workplace wellness programs such as stress reduction programs. The author also argues that stress management activities should be assimilated into the day-to-day life of employees (Weiss-Randall, 2017). This supports the self-care and personal renewal programs that Winks recommends in his book. Besides, it shows that stress is inevitable and that employees perform their best when they find ways to remain resilient.
In their book “Resilient teachers: Resisting stress and burnout,” Howard and Johnson cite the increased frequency of stress and burnout among teachers, making it a big concern (2004). The failure of many teachers to cope with stress is personal and not institutional. This shows the importance of resilience described by Winks in his book.
The publication is also credible since the author has vast experience in the topic. Dr. Robert J. Wicks is a professor of psychology with extensive experience in matters related to stress and stress management (2015). Currently, he is a professor at Loyola University, Maryland. His broad experience in psychology is evident in other books that he has authored. The books include “The Resilient Clinician” published in 2008, “Overcoming Secondary Stress in Medical and Nursing Practice” published by OUP in 2006, and “Riding the Dragon: 10 Lessons for Inner Strength in Challenging Times” published by Sorin Books in 2003. This shows that the book is not only credible but also written by a person with a lot of experience in the subject (Wicks, 2015).
Personal reflection
I view stress as a normal part of human life. Sometimes, I encounter stressful situations from my relationships, my workplace, my studies, and tight schedules. Though I have always been good at handling stress, the information contained in this book has beyond doubt, improved my approach to handling stressful situations. I find this book very insightful, humorous, and practical. It is an interesting read for everyone who has been through life pressures.
After reading the book, I now take stress management more seriously. I realized that chronic stress might lead to serious health issues, including depression, back and chest pain, anxiety disorder, sleep problems, sexual dysfunction, heart disease, ulcers, as well as high blood pressure. After reading the book, I have also learned to believe in my strengths to be motivated and organized. However, I feel that I should improve on my level of self-discipline.
Application
In the life that we are living now, stress is inevitable. People are faced with different sources of stress, including long working hours, increased financial insecurity, conflicts, as well as multitasking. As a result, people need to overcome and manage the challenges that they encounter in their day-to-day activities. However, not all people have the natural ability to handle stress. Such people need information on practical methods of managing stress now, more than ever. This book provides such ways and instructs how to not only handle stress but also change the stressful situations into prospects that people can use to improve their lives.
Therefore, this is a book of value to students, parents, and professionals. I find this book very valuable to almost everybody living in the current stressful world as it contains methods to manage stress that is useful to everyone regardless of their occupation, race, class, or gender. Students need to know how to manage educational stressors such as complicated subjects. Teachers and students can use the book to learn and teach about stress management. Besides, the book can also be handy to psychologists who may want to get more insights on how to handle stress effectively to improve their knowledge on the subject. This will enable them to advise their clients accordingly as well as apply the knowledge in their daily life.
References
Howard, S., & Johnson, B. (2004). Resilient teachers: Resisting stress and burnout. Social Psychology of Education, 7(4), 399-420.
Seligman, M. E. (2004). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. New York: Simon and Schuster.
Weiss-Randall, D. N. (2017). Managing Stress in the Workplace. In Encyclopedia of Strategic Leadership and Management (pp. 988-1004). IGI Global.
Wicks, R. J., Dr. (2015). About Dr. Robert J. Wicks. Retrieved from http://www.robertjwicks.com/about/
Wicks, R. J. (2010). Bounce: Living the resilient life. New York: Oxford University Press.
Name
Institution
Bounce: Living the Resilient Life
Summary
In the book “Bounce: Living the Resilient Life,” the author, Robert J. Wicks, argues that the contemporary world is full of stress (2009). However, the book asserts that people should not be crushed by the world’s pressure because every individual has a range of resilience. Resilience gives people the ability to meet and learn from the day-to-day challenges and stresses of the current world (Wicks, 2009). For that reason, people’s resilience ensures that their challenges do not crush them. This book discusses, among other aspects of resilience, the approaches to self-care, how to apply positive psychology, self-awareness, compassion, and mindfulness (Wicks, 2009). These elements of resilience can develop the ability of a person to meet, learn from, and solve the challenges of life. People have a different range of resilience. (Wicks, 2009) The range of resilience demonstrated by various people depends on their current knowledge, their early life experiences, genetic factors, as well as their motivation to overcome the challenges that come their way to living a stress-free life (Wicks, 2009). …show more content…
The author adds that to “have a life” is not the nonexistence of negative pressures (Wicks, 2009). In fact, all sources of stress cannot be entirely prevented. Some challenges influence people in a positive manner. This highlights the importance of resilience. Wicks also add that if people become resilient, they experience new positive realities, which make them thrive in good ways (2009). This way, people can find the meaning in their lives and appreciate both the good and the bad aspects of stress (Wicks, 2009). The author asserts that all people can be good at handling stress if they understand some fundamental practices to contain pressure, as well as how to maintain a positive sense of resilience (Wicks, 2009). The inner life of a person provides him or her with the sources of resilience. This shows that belief system, attitudes, as well as spiritual and philosophical factors, affect the ability of a person to be resilient to challenges.
The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing acute and chronic stress, and consequently, taking a break to examine the source of stress. The author says that if people do not understand acute and chronic stress, they risk contracting a mood disorder, illness, or even a severe disease (Wicks, 2009). After recognizing chronic stress and taking a break, the author recommends the creation of a self-care and a personal renewal program. He describes a self-care protocol as a “necessary source of constant renewal.” Some essential elements of a personal renewal program include some light exercises, hobbies, meditation, and entertainment such as playing games that one enjoys (Wicks, 2009).
The author also suggests that one can protect himself or herself from stress if he or she keeps a balanced circle of friends.
The author goes ahead to identify four types of friends that can ensure that one lives a balanced and resilient stress life. These include the cheerleader, the prophet, the harasser, and guides (Wicks, 2009). Guides uncover the voices that guide people while harassers tease people and make them rip their unrealistic expectations. On the other hand, prophets challenge people to act while cheerleaders offer enthusiastic and unconditional acceptance. To live a resilient life, the author asserts that people must not only recognize, but also focus on signature strengths. Besides, they should do a self-assessment and accept their shortcomings (Wicks,
2009).
Analysis
According to the author, one cannot live a resilient life if he or she is not familiar with his or her signature strengths (Wicks, 2009). Seligman supports this information. In his book “Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment,” Seligman discusses the connection between happiness and strengths of a person (2004). Seligman argues that people are more productive when they are happy (2004). This occurs when people use their signature strengths. Therefore, people should try to know their signature strengths. This is because when one knows his or her signature strengths, he or she becomes aware of the activities that make him or her happy (Seligman, 2004). When one is happy, he or she becomes more resilient. Weiss-Randall also supports this information. In his publication, “Managing Stress in the Workplace,” Weiss-Randall asserts that employees will produce more if they are satisfied with their technical roles (2017). This satisfaction depends on job control and reward, as well as a work culture that responds to the needs of employees (Weiss-Randall, 2017). These factors are sources of stress. However, to deal with these factors, the author recommends that employers should slot in general workplace wellness programs such as stress reduction programs. The author also argues that stress management activities should be assimilated into the day-to-day life of employees (Weiss-Randall, 2017). This supports the self-care and personal renewal programs that Winks recommends in his book. Besides, it shows that stress is inevitable and that employees perform their best when they find ways to remain resilient.
In their book “Resilient teachers: Resisting stress and burnout,” Howard and Johnson cite the increased frequency of stress and burnout among teachers, making it a big concern (2004). The failure of many teachers to cope with stress is personal and not institutional. This shows the importance of resilience described by Winks in his book.
The publication is also credible since the author has vast experience in the topic. Dr. Robert J. Wicks is a professor of psychology with extensive experience in matters related to stress and stress management (2015). Currently, he is a professor at Loyola University, Maryland. His broad experience in psychology is evident in other books that he has authored. The books include “The Resilient Clinician” published in 2008, “Overcoming Secondary Stress in Medical and Nursing Practice” published by OUP in 2006, and “Riding the Dragon: 10 Lessons for Inner Strength in Challenging Times” published by Sorin Books in 2003. This shows that the book is not only credible but also written by a person with a lot of experience in the subject (Wicks, 2015).
Personal reflection
I view stress as a normal part of human life. Sometimes, I encounter stressful situations from my relationships, my workplace, my studies, and tight schedules. Though I have always been good at handling stress, the information contained in this book has beyond doubt, improved my approach to handling stressful situations. I find this book very insightful, humorous, and practical. It is an interesting read for everyone who has been through life pressures.
After reading the book, I now take stress management more seriously. I realized that chronic stress might lead to serious health issues, including depression, back and chest pain, anxiety disorder, sleep problems, sexual dysfunction, heart disease, ulcers, as well as high blood pressure. After reading the book, I have also learned to believe in my strengths to be motivated and organized. However, I feel that I should improve on my level of self-discipline.
Application
In the life that we are living now, stress is inevitable. People are faced with different sources of stress, including long working hours, increased financial insecurity, conflicts, as well as multitasking. As a result, people need to overcome and manage the challenges that they encounter in their day-to-day activities. However, not all people have the natural ability to handle stress. Such people need information on practical methods of managing stress now, more than ever. This book provides such ways and instructs how to not only handle stress but also change the stressful situations into prospects that people can use to improve their lives.
Therefore, this is a book of value to students, parents, and professionals. I find this book very valuable to almost everybody living in the current stressful world as it contains methods to manage stress that is useful to everyone regardless of their occupation, race, class, or gender. Students need to know how to manage educational stressors such as complicated subjects. Teachers and students can use the book to learn and teach about stress management. Besides, the book can also be handy to psychologists who may want to get more insights on how to handle stress effectively to improve their knowledge on the subject. This will enable them to advise their clients accordingly as well as apply the knowledge in their daily life.
References
Howard, S., & Johnson, B. (2004). Resilient teachers: Resisting stress and burnout. Social Psychology of Education, 7(4), 399-420.
Seligman, M. E. (2004). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. New York: Simon and Schuster.
Weiss-Randall, D. N. (2017). Managing Stress in the Workplace. In Encyclopedia of Strategic Leadership and Management (pp. 988-1004). IGI Global.
Wicks, R. J., Dr. (2015). About Dr. Robert J. Wicks. Retrieved from http://www.robertjwicks.com/about/
Wicks, R. J. (2010). Bounce: Living the resilient life. New York: Oxford University Press.